Australian Disability Network, in partnership with CSL Limited, Marriott International, McDonald’s Australia and The Salvation Army has launched a new program to find meaningful employment for people with disability within high growth industries including the healthcare, social assistance, food and accommodation sectors.
Employing 100 aims to successfully place 100 talented and skilled job seekers with disability into roles within four major employers, CSL Limited, Marriott International, McDonald’s Australia and The Salvation Army.
The two-year project is funded by an Australian Government Department of Social Services grant.
The unemployment rate for people with disability in Australia remains at 10% – almost triple the overall unemployment rate and it has not improved in more than three decades.
Australian Disability Network Chief Executive Corene Strauss said most disability employment programs focus on supply (job seekers), rather than working with demand (employers and their vacancies).
“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.”
“We are delighted to be working with CSL Limited, Marriott International, McDonald’s Australia, and The Salvation Army to create career opportunities for people with disability.
Australian Disability Network has developed a framework to support employers to recruit people with disability based on more than a decade’s research. The program aims to build employer confidence and capability to employ people with disability and prepare job seekers for identified roles.
Not only will 100 people with disability gain employment by project completion, this is also a long-term sustainable solution to improving employment for people with disability. Resources will be created that support employers to replicate the employment framework in the growth industries mentioned or can be modified to suit employers in other industries.
The Centre for Social Impact Swinburne University will conduct an independent evaluation over the course of the project.
“Disability inclusion is a key focus of our Diversity, Equity & Inclusion strategy,” said Paul McKenzie, CEO and Managing Director, CSL Limited.
“As a global biotechnology company driven by our promise to protect patients and public health around the world, it’s vital that our employees mirror the patients, donors, and people we serve – so that we bring a wide variety of viewpoints to the important decisions we make and problems we solve.”
Sean Hunt – Area Vice President, ANZP, Marriott International said: “We are proud to be one of four organisations partnering with Australian Disability Network on “Employing 100”, a project funded by an ILC Grant from the Department of Social Services, on behalf of the Australian Government.”
“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”.
Emma Napoli Hala, SVP, Chief People Officer, McDonald’s Australia said: “At McDonald’s, we are long-standing supporters of creating opportunities for people with disability in our restaurants.
“As one of Australia’s largest employers and most recognisable brands, it’s important to us that we continue to represent the incredible diversity of our employees and the communities we serve.”
The Salvation Army’s Executive General Manager of Human Resources, Geraldine Leslie said: The Salvation Army is committed to providing a workplace culture that is accessible and inclusive of all employees.
“Attracting and retaining the best people for the job should be the priority for everyone.”