The Physical
Disability Council of NSW Inc. (PDCN) supports
any initiative to increase jobs for employees
with disabilities. A new US based study shows
attitudes may be changing. People with
disabilities are up to three times more likely
to be unemployed than other Australians, so
there is a serious need for the study to be
replicated here in Australia.
US
research shows workers with disabilities are
more reliable and take fewer
sickies. The study
across the hospitality, health care and retail
sectors showed employees with disabilities had
job performance equal to the able bodied
workforce.
Employees with
disabilities excel on the bottom line as well,
with fewer unscheduled absences. Employees with
disabilities stayed on the job longer, reducing
the cost of employee turnover.
PDCN supports calls for
leadership on this issue, showing the business
advantages for employers who have a diverse and
integrated workforce which includes employees
with disabilities. An Australian study is a
crucial step toward eliminating the barriers to
employment for people with disabilities not only
in NSW, but across the country.
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