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Finding staff who are reliable, loyal and punctual can sometimes feel like looking for a needle in a haystack.

In a challenging labour market, one initiative is helping to change that.

JobsABILITY assists businesses to secure work-ready staff you can count on.

Supported by the Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Tasmanian Hospitality Association, Tourism Industry Council Tasmania, TasICT and the Tasmanian Small Business Council, the JobsABILITY initiative aims to increase the number of people with disability in employment.

JobsABILITY not only benefits the individual looking for work, but assists businesses looking for solution-focused and loyal staff.

Increasing labour market participation rates for people with a disability realises real benefits for people with a disability, their employers and the Tasmanian economy.

Around 25% of Tasmanians have a disability. It is from this community that businesses draw their employees, customers and business partners.

Benefits to Employers and their Businesses

JobsABILITY offers great benefits for employers and businesses, including:

  • The addition of loyal, productive staff who take less sick leave and are less likely to injure themselves in the workplace.
  • Qualified staff – 45% of employed people with disability work in professional and managerial roles.
  • The acquisition of staff who are solution-focused. People with disability generally possess high problem-solving skills through creatively rethinking how to manage difficult situations.
  • A range of financial and material support provided to employers in many instances.

The JobsABILITY initiative was launched in November 2016 at Parliament House.

With over 80 people from across the political spectrum, business community, government, and the employment services sector in attendance, the launch established the importance of addressing workforce shortages by attracting all sectors of the labour market.

TCCI Chair Susan Parr attended the launch, saying that she “encourages all employers to consider the opportunities that people with a disability could bring to their business.”

Guest Speaker, Stephen Long, the Workforce Development Manager for the Tasmanian Hospitality Association (THA) spoke of their newest staff member; 22-year-old Ross Kent.  Ross is the THA’s new Social Media Analyst, working primarily in the THA Great Customer Experience Program.

Mr. Long said it was clear through the interview process Ross had the requisite skills for the role and quickly grasped the THA’s needs and expectations. “Ross is punctual, very reliable and fits easily into the workplace,” said Mr Long.

Ross was born with cerebral palsy, but that hasn’t stopped him from becoming a valued staff member of the THA.

Among Ross’s duties is the analysis of social media platforms for customer engagement and satisfaction with Tasmanian Tourism and Hospitality venues. In particular, Ross focuses on customer interactions on TripAdvisor and Facebook.

The information Ross obtains is valuable to businesses who undertake the program to improve the customer experiences in their venues and build customer loyalty.

Ross’s work enables program presenters and venues to get a better picture of how venues are being experienced by customers and which facets of their social media engagement can be improved.

In acknowledgement of the value Ross brings to the THA, he has recently had his initial contract extended for a further six months.

There is a pool of bright, work-ready people available with a variety of skills and qualifications just like Ross who could be a great asset to your business.

Did you know?

  • 87% of the public prefer to give their business to companies who employ people with disability;
  • Over 33% of working Australians with disability are employed in managerial, professional and administrative roles;
  • Loyalty, punctuality and a positive work ethic are some of the common attributes among people with disability.

If you need innovative, loyal, work-ready staff for your workplace, go to http://www.jobsABILITY.org.au or phone the JobsABILITY Project Officer on 03 6212 7306 to discuss your recruitment needs.