Some of Australia’s most well-known employers have joined forces in a program aimed at finding meaningful employment for people with disability.
Australian Disability Network has partnered with CSL Limited, Marriott International, McDonald’s Australia and the Salvation Army as part of the program, called Employing 100.
Employing 100 aims to successfully place 100 skilled job seekers with disability into roles within those four major employers, spanning the healthcare, social assistance, food and accommodation sectors.
The two-year project is funded by a grant from the federal Department of Social Services and will be independently evaluated by the Centre for Social Impact at Swinburne University.
It is designed to be a long-term sustainable solution to the ongoing issue of high unemployment for people with disability. The unemployment rate for people with disability in Australia is 10 per cent, almost triple the general unemployment rate. It has not improved in more than three decades.
As part of Employing 100, resources will be created that support employers to replicate the employment framework in the four growth industries. These resources will also be able to be modified to suit employers in other industries.
Australian Disability Network Chief Executive Corene Strauss said the network was “delighted” to be working with the four employers.
“Employing suitably skilled people with disability makes good business sense. We will support our employer groups to enhance their systems and processes, upskill their teams and identify vacancies to employ people with disability,” she said.
Sean Hunt – Area Vice President, ANZP, Marriott International said the company was proud to be taking part in Employing 100.
“As part of this project over the next 2 years, Marriott International will hire more people with disability, and we are committed to making changes towards becoming a more disability-inclusive organisation,” he said.
The Salvation Army’s Executive General Manager of Human Resources, Geraldine Leslie highlighted the Salvation Army’s commitment to an accessible and inclusive workplace culture.
“Attracting and retaining the best people for the job should be the priority for everyone,” she said.