Workers with disability have untapped potential

As Australia grapples with a growing labour force shortage, MTC Australia is reminding employers of the untapped potential of hiring people living with disability.

CEO Rob Marshall says by fostering inclusion and empowering their leadership, Australia can address workforce gaps while building a stronger, more equitable society.

The Gosford office of MTC supports people with disability through three programs: Self-Employment Assistance; Skills For Education and Employment (SEE); and Vocational Education and Training (VET).

Across the electorates of Robertson and Dobell, the not-for-profit organisation has supported 204 people over the past 12 months.

“The Central Coast has one of the highest rates of people with disability in NSW, with 6.4 per cent of the community needing support due to disability,” Marshall said.

“A study conducted by Central Coast Council during the preparation of its Disability Inclusion Action Plan also found that 71 per cent of respondents believed that more job opportunities and training for people with disability would make a significant difference.

“These figures show there is an opportunity to educate and empower local businesses to consider inclusive hiring.”

MTC has released a compelling new Smart Paper titled Profit and Purpose: Why Inclusive Hiring Makes Good Business Sense, which highlights the economic advantages of inclusive hiring practices.

It reveals there are 113,000 Australians living with disability actively seeking employment, with untapped potential.

Businesses that prioritise disability-inclusive hiring experience up to 30 per cent higher profit margins and inclusive workplaces achieve double the net income.

The paper says employing people with disability could add over $40B to Australia’s GDP by 2050.

“The gap we see in workforce participation for people with disability represents a significant untapped potential for businesses,” Marshall said.

“By integrating people with disability into the workforce, organisations can not only access a diverse talent pool but also contribute to a more equitable society.

“Integrating people with disability into the workforce not only fosters inclusivity but also drives economic growth.

“According to recent data, diverse teams are 36 per cent more likely to outperform in terms of profitability.

“Additionally, these organisations are twice as likely to achieve higher shareholder returns and often outperform in areas like innovation and customer service.

“These outcomes reflect the experience we’ve had at MTC as an employer of diverse cohorts as well as a provider of specialist disability employment programs.

“Despite this, the same data stated that one in five people in Australia still believe organisations should be able to refuse to hire people with disability.“

Marshall said the current labour force participation rate for people with disability was only 53.4 per cent, compared to 84 per cent for those without disabilities.

Off the back of the outcomes from the Disability Royal Commission, a new Specialist Disability Employment Program has been announced to replace the current Disability Employment Services.

The revamped program will come into effect on July 1 this year and will expand eligibility to help more people prepare for and find sustainable employment.

The Australian Government also plans a Disability Employment Centre of Excellence to develop best practice, evidence-based information to help providers deliver high-quality effective employment services and supports to improve disability employment outcomes.

“At MTC Australia, we believe that diversity is not just a metric to achieve but a fundamental strength that drives innovation and success,” Marshall said.

“MTC Australia believes that a thriving workforce is built on diversity, where individuals are empowered to contribute their skills and perspectives.

“By championing inclusivity, companies are quite simply driving stronger business outcomes through innovation, creativity and workforce engagement.”

For further information on MTC Australia’s programs, visit www.mtcaustralia.com.au

To view the Smart Paper visit https://mtcaustralia.com.au/inclusivity-at-work-smartpaper/