Retail sector shows a positive commitment to disability equality

02 November 2007

Retail sector shows a positive commitment to disability equality

The retail sector shows a promising commitment to disability equality, according to a report published today by Employers' Forum on Disability (EFD).

The results of the Disability Standard 2007 show that on average 72% of participants from the retail sector are ensuring disability equality in work, workplace design and employee support.

Results also show that, on average, 70% of retail participants ensure disability equality in recruitment and selection.

Sixty-three per cent of retail participants were also shown to ensure accessibility of products and services.

Susan Scott-Parker, chief executive of EFD says: “I am delighted to see a growing commitment in the retail sector to becoming disability confident.

“However, business needs to keep improving. Participants in the Disability Standard 2007 now know where they are, and where they need to be on disability.

Grant Kennedy, chief executive of Direct Enquiries, the nationwide access register, says: “It's fantastic to see such positive results from the retail sector.

“These results demonstrate that retailers realise that becoming disability confident, brings real business benefits.”

The Benchmark Survey is sponsored by Motability Operations.

Ends

The results of the Employers' Forum Disability Standard 2007 will be released in full at the 'Benchmark for action' conference and reception, hosted by HM Treasury, London, on 2 November.

For interviews, case studies or a copy of the full Employers' Forum Disability Standard report please contact:

Liz Nightingale, Communications Manager
Employers' Forum on Disability
Email: liz.nightingale@efd.org.uk
Telephone: 020 7403 3020

 

About Employers' Forum on Disability

Employers' Forum on Disability is the employers' organisation focused on disability as it affects employers and service providers. With over 400 members, EFD represents organisations that employ around 20 per cent of the UK workforce.Since its establishment in 1991, EFD has worked closely with government and other stakeholders, sharing best practice to make it easier to employ disabled people and serve disabled customers

www.efd.org.uk

About the Disability Standard

The Disability Standard is the only management tool that enables organisations to accurately measure their performance on disability, in every way it affects the business, and to put in place action plans that deliver real business improvement.

116 organisations took part in the Disability Standard 2007, between them employing around two million people in the UK. Six major retailers took part in the survey.

www.disabilitystandard.com