EFD disability news - latest stories

Bev Callard talks about her battle with depression

EFD — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 09:07:00 +0100

Coronation Street actress Bev Callard has been talking about how she overcame suicidal feelings, triggered by her depression, to return to work and write a book about her experiences

The TV star - who plays Liz McDonald in the soap - revealed to Mind that she contemplated suicide on more than one occasion and at times she was curled up on her bed, barely able to speak.

Mind: Government-ordered review of the WCA is excellent news

EFD — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 19:15:00 +0100

A government decision to order a review of the Work Capacity Assessment (WCA), which could help get a better ruling for disabled employees using the benefits system, has been praised by one organisation.

Mind chief executive Paul Farmer said it is "excellent news" and he was pleased to be on the scrutiny panel to stand for such people.

He added: "In its current format the WCA is not fit for purpose and falls far short of being able to accurately measure when someone's mental health affects their ability to work."

Help available 'for employers with deaf and hearing impaired employees'

EFD — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 19:15:00 +0100

Employers who have deaf and hearing impaired workers can take advantage of available help and advice to assist them in retaining and recruiting such members of staff.

This is according to Vincent Donnelly, deputy principal in the Northern Irish Department for Employment and Learning's Disablement Advisory Service (DAS), who explained that expert help and guidance is on hand both for employees with disabilities and for managers.

Firms advised to consult about disabled access

EFD — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 19:15:00 +0100

Employers in the UK should ensure that their premises meet health and safety standards such as disabled access for staff members, customers and clients.

This is according to Rollaramp, which has suggested firms consult with disabled people before implementing measures that are intended to make buildings "more welcoming and comfortable".

In a series of recommendations made to businesses of all sizes, the company claimed all the needs and requirements of those with disabilities should be met in relation to access in and out of sites and equipment that may be required.

Joblessness 'negatively affects mental health'

EFD — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 19:15:00 +0100

The benefits of having a job and the negative affects of being unemployed have been detailed by one industry expert who said that there is a "clear" link between ill health and being out of work.

M&Y Joinery takes on disabled employees

EFD — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 19:15:00 +0100

Two disabled employees have been recruited by repairs organisation M&Y Joinery to hold store and clerical roles, in conjunction with St Helens Council's Supported Employment Service.

Emma Fildes and Ryan Dundon were provided with assistance in learning how to do their respective jobs, as well as offered guidance, support and advice by coaches Sue Cunliffe and Janette Baker.

Director of contract services with M&Y Joinery's parent company the Regenda Group Gill Kelly said how truly delighted the organisation was with both Ms Fildes and Mr Dundon.

New EHRC guide aims to boost disability confidence

EFD — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 19:15:00 +0100

Guidance on the UN Convention on the Rights of Disabled Persons and how this can be used has been published by the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC).

It aims to boost disability confidence by including details on all of the responsibilities of organisations and services, therefore helping people to "challenge injustices".

Covered in the guide are rights relating to areas such as employment, personal security, education and health.

UN guide to promote best practice on disability employment?

EFD — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 19:15:00 +0100

A new guide has been introduced by the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) with a view to promoting best practice on disability employment.

The UN Convention on the Rights of Disabled Persons has been brought in to help improve services in the employment, education, health and access to justice sectors, among others.

Mike Smith, chair of the commission's disability committee, said: "[The convention] requires government to take action to remove barriers and give disabled people real freedom, dignity and equality."

DWP launches The Work Programme - Your Thoughts for businesses

EFD — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 19:15:00 +0100

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has launched a consultation for organisations that provide services to help unemployed people, including those with disabilities, back into work.

Called The Work Programme - Your Thoughts, the initiative - which will be running for a limited time only - is asking companes to log their comments and opinions regarding a number of questions, such as the payment model and capital raising.

One-fifth of employees feel bullied by managers, report suggests

EFD — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 19:15:00 +0100

New research has revealed that one-fifth of workers admit to feeling bullied by their bosses, with 31 per cent of women having experienced this at some point, compared with 17 per cent of men.

Conducted by HR consultancy Reabur, the study indicated that a further 28 per cent state they have been victimised by a co-worker but, in spite of these figures, just eight per cent with such concerns would report them to their HR division, suggesting that businesses need to make reasonable adjustments to tackle this.