New grant launched to help disabled islanders into employment

Tuesday 09 January 2018

People living with disabilities or long-term health conditions will soon be able to access grants of up to £5,000 to help them start a new job, stay in their existing role or return to work after a health-related issue.

The moves come as part of a pilot scheme by the Minister for Social Security.

Access to Work - as the scheme will be known - will help to fund essential workplace aids or equipment by providing grants to locally qualified Islanders with sensory, mobility or other physical disabilities.

Ergonomic office equipment, specialised seating, as well as screen-reading or text software to support those with learning disorders such as dyslexia, are some of the items that could be funded through the scheme.

The Minister for Social Security, Deputy Susie Pinel, said that she was "delighted to be launching this new grant."

"We recognise that some people with long-term health conditions or disabilities need extra support in the workplace and, in some cases, this may be an obstacle to them staying in their current role or finding a new job. Where specialist equipment or furniture may overcome this problem, Access to Work is designed to help.

“For me, one of the key points in the Disability Strategy for Jersey is that there is clear evidence that working can help improve quality of life and wellbeing for people with disabilities. We know that there are many people with disabilities or long-term health conditions with important and transferable skills, and who make productive and valuable employees. The Social Security Department is already working on the legislation that will help protect people with disabilities against discrimination in the workplace and elsewhere. However, Access to Work is designed to give practical and positive support to individuals," she commented.

Picture: The Minister for Social Security, Deputy Susie Pinel, launched 'Access to Work' to help improve the quality of life and wellbeing for people with disabilities.

The Disability Strategy for Jersey, which was published in May 2017, showed that, of the 14% of the Island’s population that are disabled, nearly 30% of those struggled getting the type or amount of paid work they want. These figures suggest that someone with a disability is almost twice as likely to be unemployed as someone without a disability but, for those disabled islanders who are able to, working contributes to their wellbeing and life satisfaction.

Access to Work is only accessible to people who are already employed or have a firm job offer and who have Entitled or Entitled to Work residential status. Employers who are interested in the Access to Work grant for their employees should ask their employees to apply directly. More information and application guidelines can be found online.

Locally qualified Islanders who would like support or advice about getting a job can contact the Back to Work team at Social Security on 447372.