EMPLOYER SURVEY FOR SUPPORTING THOSE WITH ASN IN THE WORKPLACE

What are Additional Support Needs (ASN) and what difference does employment make to those with ASN? 

ASN is an umbrella term for a variety of physical and mental conditions for which individuals may require additional support. 16 million people in the UK were registered with a disability in 2021/22, representing 24% of the total population; and in Scotland 26% of the total population are registered disabled (Source: Office of National Statistics (2021) Outcomes for disabled people in the UK: 2021). Successful employment outcomes for disabled people in the UK are lower than those for non-disabled people: employment rates for men are 30% lower and for women are 26% lower. And in addition, home ownership among disabled people is lower than non-disabled people, leading to lower levels of happiness and increased anxiety. Therefore, positive employment outcomes make a huge difference to the lives of disabled people – and employers with inclusive practices playing a huge role in ensuring fulfilling, meaningful and enjoyable work, for everyone. 

Why is it important for workplaces to be inclusive towards employees with ASN?  

In terms of employability, additional support could include offering adjustments during the recruitment process such as an audio or video application or conducting interview for wheelchair users on the ground floor; it could also include specific equipment, such as supported seating or technology, to make traditional workplaces more suitable and comfortable for employees with ASN; or it could include the inclusion of quiet spaces within the workplace to allow employees to work in different ways. 

What are the advantages of creating an inclusive workplace?  

Inclusive workplaces can be more successful – innovation can flourish, new ideas and ways of working are welcomed and problem solving is often creative. Diversity of thought in all its forms is known to improve the efficiency of organisations, from the top down Employees become happy and motivated – they are seen and heard, their contributions and ideas are encouraged and valid and everyone has a voice Diversity and inclusion within the workforce help serve a diverse range of customers too – people can see others like them within the organisation and are encouraged to interact and transact with it Talent attraction and retention is better – people are increasingly looking for inclusive workplaces with great cultures and great opportunities Inclusive workplaces are less likely to experience discrimination, bullying and harassment - and the Equality Act 2010 protects against this 

How YOU can help us help you! 

We want to support employers to provide inclusive workplaces and improve employability outcomes in Clacks for those with ASN. And to do this we need to understand what you as an employer understand about ASN and what policies and practices you currently use to support your employees. 

To this end we have a quick online survey that will take you no more than 5 minutes to complete - and your participation would be hugely appreciated! You can access the survey here or scan the QR below: 

If you are interested in finding out more about how Clackmannanshire Economic Regeneration Trust (CERT) can help you, please get in touch by contacting Claire Murphy at claire.murphy@clacksregen.org.uk www.clacksregen.org.uk