AQW 24254/22-27

Ms Kate Nicholl
Alliance Party
South Belfast

Tabled Date: 12/03/2025
Answered On Date: 15/04/2025
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Communities to detail any steps she has taken to engage with employers on creating more inclusive workplaces for those with disabilities.

Answer:

Staff in my Employer Services Branch provide direct support to employers of all sizes across Northern Ireland to address their recruitment needs. They promote the use of my Department's employment support programmes such as the Condition Management Programme, Access to Work and Workable NI with employers. These programmes have been specifically developed to enable people with health conditions and disabilities to find, retain and progress in employment. They also encourage employers to consider flexibility in their recruitment practices as well as helping them fulfil their social value obligations.