Finding suitable employment can be challenging for everyone. However, people affected by disability may face additional hurdles which they must overcome to reach their desired vocational goal. These barriers will differ from person to person, be wide ranging and complex, particularly for people affected by a condition such as multiple sclerosis (MS), where symptoms can fluctuate.
The charity Disability Rights UK has developed a comprehensive website resource titled ‘Careers and work for disabled people’, which includes how to find disability-friendly employers, accessing government employment programmes, apprenticeships and self-employment. This guide offers a wealth of information and signposting to assist disabled jobseekers.
There are a few government-led schemes which are available around the UK to help people affected by disabilities and wider health issues find work.
England and Wales – Work and Health Programme
Scotland – No One Left Behind
Northern Ireland – Workable NI and Condition Management Programme
In addition to the organisations listed in the careers and work for disabled people guide, there are others whose goal is to support and enable people affected by disabilities to find employment. They range from small charities and localised groups focused on helping those who live within specific localities, to ones that cover a wider geographical area.
The British Association for Supported Employment is a national charity promoting the principles and delivery of high-quality supported employment services. They hold a membership directory of local organisations who use the Supported Employment model to help secure sustainable employment for people with a disability.
Seetec provide various employment programmes on behalf of the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) and local authorities around the UK, plus offer directly accessible employment support
If you would like help in finding supportive employment services close to you, or indeed in any location of interest, please contact the MS-UK helpline who will be happy to assist.
There are a number of websites that can help people affected by disabilities to find work. These are also handy to locate employers who have an inclusive approach to recruitment. Some examples are• Careers with Disabilities
There are also organisations that specifically support disabled graduates on their initial post-graduation career path. They work with employers to further their understanding about the challenges disabled employees may face and help disabled graduates find appropriate employment with disability friendly companies. For example
Being self-employed or freelancing has its positives and negatives in a general sense, however these become more amplified for people affected by a disability. On the plus side, being your own boss offers you the flexibility to manage your workload and build a schedule that accommodates your needs. That flexibility extends to taking time off, having breaks and rests during the times that you absolutely need them. The more challenging elements of being your own boss can include not receiving sick pay and additional benefits such as paid time off for hospital appointments, company pensions and paid maternity/paternity leave. However, with appropriate advice, support and planning, being your own boss as a person with disability can be workable.
The not-for-profit organisation The association of Independent Professionals and the Self-employed (IPSE) have produced an informative guide for people affected by disability who work on a freelance or self-employed basis.
For those interested in starting their own business, or who are simply looking for financial support with their current venture, Small Business UK have produced a helpful and comprehensive which are available around the UK.
The charity Turn2us has produced a comprehensive summary of resources that list the different back to work support schemes available to all around the UK. This resource is particularly handy as it also includes information on how to obtain financial support such as grants and help with travel costs. Furthermore, it highlights the support that is specific to each nation within the UK, as it can vary.
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