This is another critical area for accessible government. It is essential that government lead by example in employing disabled people on an equal basis with others. Agencies were asked what they were doing to recruit, retain or promote employment of disabled people, on the same basis as non-disabled people.

• Several agencies reported providing supports for staff as needed (like JAWS software, a scanner, large monitors etc. They have also provided other accommodations like car parking, extra domestic leave, remote computer access to support staff who are disabled or caring for a disabled person, adjusted terms and conditions of employment.

Data on being a good employer (see graph four)

• There has been a small increase in the proportion of agencies that consider their HR EEO policies do not discriminate against disabled people. This rose from 65% in 2006 to 68% in 2007.
• In 2007, 81% of responding agencies consider their recruitment processes are accessible and responsive. This is compared with 85% in 2006.
• There has been a significant increase in agencies who advise their human resources staff are familiar with EEO issues for disabled people. This has gone up from 55% in 2006 to 82% in 2007.
• A new question in 2007 asked whether agencies’ induction training includes disability awareness. Twenty nine percent of responding agencies advise they have achieved this.
• There has been an increase in the proportion of agencies who use their internal communications to promote the visibility of disabled staff. This rose from 25% in 2006 to 32% in 2007.
• Fewer agencies are collecting information on the number of disabled people they employ. In 2006, 70% of responding agencies did this compared with 58% in 2007.
• There is an increase in the proportion of agencies that currently employ someone through the Mainstream programme. In 2006, 60% of responding agencies had employees through this programme, and in 2007 this has increased to 63%.
• In 2007, agencies were asked if they employ staff who were previously employed through the Mainstream programme. Fifty eight percent of agencies reported doing so.

Graph four - Being a good employer