Most businesses in Wales and south west England recognise the positive contribution made by employees with disabilities - but a minority are still failing to put ability before disability when recruiting new staff.
That is the message from Bethan Evans, Regional Director, Wales & South West for Remploy, the UK's leading provider of specialist recruitment services.
"During these difficult economic times it is crucial that people experiencing the most severe barriers to employment are not further marginalised," said Ms Evans, who urged all employers to recognise how recruiting disabled people can have the twin benefits of boosting staff morale and business reputation.
Last year in Wales and south west England Remploy found jobs for more than 2,000 people with disabilities and health conditions, an impressive 35% increase on the previous 12 months.
"The figures are testament to our expertise in supporting those furthest from the labour market into sustainable jobs. Our strong relationships with employers in the region are crucial to the continuing success of our branches in Wales and the south west," added Ms Evans.
Remploy works closely with more than 3,000 of the country's biggest and best known employers ensuring that it finds the right person for the right job. The partnership approach is delivering significant results with employers like BT, Sainsbury's, ASDA and Royal Mail reporting lower turnover and less absenteeism among Remploy candidates.
But a minority of businesses are still failing to recognise the positive benefits of employing people with disabilities. Last year, a Remploy-commissioned survey showed that one in five small and medium sized enterprises said they were unlikely to employ someone with a learning disability and 69% would be unlikely to hire someone with mental health issues, figures described as very disappointing by Ms Evans.
"I believe the concerns expressed by businesses - that disabled employees may require more support, for example - are simply not justified," she said. "Indeed, many of the businesses we partner with say that employing people with disabilities has a positive impact on staff morale and is good for business reputation.
"So the message I want to send out to businesses across Wales and the West Country is this: when you are recruiting, consider how people with disabilities can significantly enhance your organisation and its reputation."
Businesses requiring free guidance and support and people with a disability wanting help moving into work should email: bethan.evans@remploy.co.uk.