A national charity calls on employers to hire more blind and partially sighted individuals, highlighting ongoing employment challenges.
- Blind and partially sighted people have a 27% employment rate compared to the general population’s 76%.
- The Thomas Pocklington Trust’s Get Set Progress program aims to increase employer confidence and BPS employment rates.
- Successful internships have led to full-time employment for 85% of participants within six months.
- Applications are open for businesses to join the next round of internships, offering support through the process.
A national charity has made a renewed appeal to employers to increase hiring of blind and partially sighted individuals (BPS), underscoring the employment rate disparities between BPS individuals and the general workforce. The employment rate for BPS stands at 27%, a stark contrast to the general population’s 76%. Despite recent government initiatives to promote disability employment, challenges persist.
The Thomas Pocklington Trust (TPT) is advocating for greater employer engagement through its Get Set Progress internship program. This initiative is strategically designed to enhance the confidence of employers in hiring BPS individuals by providing comprehensive support during the internship. By participating in this program, businesses benefit from the unique skills and perspectives that BPS interns bring to the workplace.
The Get Set Progress program is not only about providing internships but also aims at ensuring long-term employment. It boasts a high success rate, with 85% of past interns securing full-time positions within half a year after completing the program. This success has bolstered employers’ assurance in their ability to recruit and integrate BPS individuals effectively into their teams.
The program is a collaborative effort with the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB), and it is currently calling for new applications from businesses willing to host interns. Organizations are encouraged to define intern roles and provide a detailed job description as part of the application process. This year, the program aims to partner with 30 employers to offer transformative internships.
Internships span nine months and are compensated with a salary aligned with the real living wage. Each internship is fortified with a tailored training plan, mentorship, and robust employability support, ensuring both personal and professional development. Employers also receive guidance on managing sight loss in the workplace and assistance with recruitment and training processes.
The program’s endorsement by businesses like Zappar, which has successfully integrated BPS interns through a seamless application and onboarding process, underscores its effectiveness. Zappar’s Product Director, Chris Holton, praised the program for its clarity, support, and the remarkable impact of the interns. Similarly, testimonials from former participants like Emily Lamb highlight the confidence and career readiness fostered by the internship experience.
The Get Set Progress program continues to make strides in empowering BPS individuals, bridging employment gaps, and enriching workplaces.
