Are Employers Missing Out?
Debra Burnett • June 8, 2021
Firms 'lose trillions' by ignoring disabled consumers - is your business missing out?
At Ways into Work we are so pleased to see that some of the world's biggest firms have signed up to the campaign 'The Valuable 500' which aims to tackle prejudice towards disabled people in the business world. All of them have made a public commitment to advancing disability inclusion within their organisations, either among staff, customers or their supply chains.
Here in the UK the 'Purple Pound' refers to the spending power of disabled households. More than 1 in 5 potential UK consumers have a disability and it's estimated that businesses lose over £20 billion a month by ignoring the needs of disabled people. That's over £250 billion a year! Mainly due to poor accessibility in store or on websites and lack of informed customer service.
Still not convinced? Here are some facts:
- There are really clear benefits to employers for recruiting people with a disability which ultimately positively impacts their bottom line and improves business performance.
- If people see themselves reflected in a company (and their workforce) they are more likely to shop there.
- There is an untapped workforce available; talented people with a disability who are really motivated to work.
- There are Supported Employment organisations, like us, who can help businesses access that untapped workforce.
Here's some reading about The Valuable 500
and facts regarding the Purple Pound. If you are an employer that wants support to embrace diversity read more here
and get in touch with us - we can help.
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