Employing Disabled People in Wales - Swansea

Small and medium-sized businesses play a vital role in the Welsh economy, but many face challenges when it comes to recruiting, supporting and retaining disabled and chronically ill staff.

Rather than telling businesses what they ‘should’ do, we want to learn from employers about the barriers they face and the changes that would make inclusive hiring and staff retention more realistic.

This event brings together Welsh business leaders and employers to talk about the challenges and opportunities involved in employing disabled and chronically ill people — especially for small and medium-sized businesses in Wales.

Join us to share experiences, shape future research, and help build a Wales-wide network of disability-inclusive employers. This in-person event is part of a series taking place across North, Mid and South Wales.

Through a facilitated, practical discussion, we’ll explore:

1. What we already know are the barriers to truly inclusive employment practices.

1. The barriers Welsh employers face when recruiting, supporting or retaining disabled and chronically ill staff.

1. What research is needed to better understand employers’ experiences

1. What a Wales-wide network of inclusive employers could look like

Who it’s for/ Who should attend:

• Organisations representing employers in Wales (both regional or national)

• Small and medium-sized employers and business owners across all sectors interested in disability-inclusive employment practices

• HR and recruitment leads

No prior expertise is required – we welcome employers and business owners at any stage of their inclusive employment journey.

Why attend/ why take part:

By attending, you will be able to share experiences with fellow local/Welsh business owners, and help shape future research and policy aimed at closing the disability employment gap. You will have the opportunity to become part of a new Wales-wide employer network focused on disability inclusion.

Can't make it to Swansea? We have events in Ynys Môn/Anglesey and Aberystywyth.

About the Research Team:

Dr Emma Sheppard, a disabled sociologist working in disability studies who has extensive facilitator experience;

Dr Yvonne Ehrstein, sociologist working in the area of work and employment;

Dr Maria Plotnikova, economist working on employment and regional issues.

This event is part of an AberCollab funded project led by Aberystwyth University researchers from sociology and economics, working with employers across Wales.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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Host or Publisher Emma Sheppard