Business News: WELSH HOSPITALITY SECTOR WELCOMES DISABLED WORKERS

WELSH HOSPITALITY SECTOR WELCOMES DISABLED WORKERS

A CAMPAIGN to raise the number of employers committed to hiring disabled workers in the hospitality industry in Wales was celebrated today (February 5) at an event held at Sophia Gardens in Cardiff.

The Hospitality Wales campaign, part of the Department for Work and Pensions’ Disability Confident scheme, saw a 94 percent increase in the number of Welsh hospitality, leisure and tourism employers pledging to offer more opportunities for disabled workers in the sector.

During the campaign an additional217 employers signed up to the Disability Confident scheme, 59 of which were from the hospitality, leisure and tourism industry. This brings the total number of employers signed up to Disability Confident in Wales to date to 907.

Fiona Jones, Director for Jobcentre Plus in Wales, said:

“The Disability Confident scheme addresses misconceptions about disabled people in the workplace and provides employers with the tools to be more inclusive and support their disabled staff, which can benefit both their workforce and their business.

“I’m delighted with the success of our most recent campaign and it just goes to show there’s a warm welcome for everyone in the hospitality sector in Wales.”

One of the employers to become Disability Confident during the campaign isGlamorgan County Cricket Club. Tracy Cox, HR Manager, said:

“We are committed to providing equal opportunities and were keen to make this formal pledge to be a Disability Confident employer. Working in the hospitality sector we welcome customers from all walks of life, and it’s only right that we have the same ethos when it comes to our employees – a diverse workforce will only serve to strengthen our business.”   

PIC CAPTION (Left to Right): Fiona Jones, of Jobcentre Plus, presents Tracy Cox, of Glamorgan County Cricket Club, with the Disability Confident accreditation.