Recent development
New Government guidance for managers on recruiting and managing people with a disability or health condition
Background
Following the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development’s (the CIPD) Health and wellbeing at work 2023 report, which highlighted managers’ lack of confidence and understanding as the most common challenge for organisations in dealing effectively with disabled employees, the Department for Work and Pensions (together with the CIPD) has published new guidance aimed at line managers for the support and development of people with disabilities.
Key points and resources
The guidance covers the entire employment lifecycle with topics ranging from employers’ legal obligations, reasonable adjustments, recruitment, career progression, sickness absence and termination of employment.
Successful implementation of this guidance will help:
- Reduce the barriers that employees with disabilities (or those with long-term health conditions) face in the workplace.
- Create an inclusive and diverse workforce.
- Boost innovation and performance.
- In addition, if managers are given proper support and training to implement this guidance, it will reduce the risk of successful disability discrimination claims (e.g., because there are fewer claims or (in the event of a claim) by arguing that an employer took all reasonable steps to prevent discrimination).
The guidance can be accessed here.