A new ‘access to work’ scheme aims to ensure that get-out for reasonable adjustments doesn’t lead to employment opportunities for those with disabilities solely within larger firms with greater resources.
If the States approve the scheme, the Committee will be able to provide cash or make arrangements “in relation to the provision of aids, equipment, occupational health assessments, occupational therapy and other types of support to facilitate the retention or entrance into employment”.
The maximum yearly cost for such a scheme is estimated to be £50,000, with each grant being made from the Guernsey Insurance Fund. Grants will generally be capped to £5,000 per individual per year.
But ESS notes that wider economic benefits will be realised through increased workforce participation, improved spending power of disabled persons and reduced benefit payments.
Pictured: ESS successfully steered Guernsey’s first comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation through the States last year.
The UK operates a similar scheme that awards cash for support workers and transportation, but ESS has decided to largely mirror the provision offered in Jersey, which only assists with specialist aids, equipment and physical alterations. However, the scheme can be expanded in future if deemed appropriate and affordable.
The average value of grants made by the Government of Jersey is just over £1,000.
Employers which seek grant funding will need to demonstrate how making reasonable adjustments for staff would be burdensome.
Research from the United States show that adjusting for staff has resulted in better staff retention and improved productivity and morale.
If approved by the States next week, the scheme should be ready by the time the wider anti-discrimination legislation comes into force.