Did you know?
In the UK only one in three registered blind and partially sighted people is in employment. This figure compares poorly with overall employment figures for the disabled population, which show half of all disabled people of working age in employment.
There are significant challenges we need to address:
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At present some 1,000 people a year lose their employment due to the onset of sight loss.
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If present trends continue, by 2020 there will be only 300,000 unskilled jobs in the labour market, yet as many as 650,000 unqualified disabled people.
Barriers to finding employment
Research carried out by government showed that 90 per cent of employers believe it would be impossible or difficult to employ someone with sight loss. This is a huge barrier to blind or partially sighted people looking for work, however suitable and qualified they may be for a role.
Discrimination, a lack of information and a lack of support is a big part of the reason why two thirds of blind and partially sighted people in the UK do not work.
Difficulties keeping a job
At present some 1,000 people a year lose their employment due to the onset of sight loss. By the time these people have adjusted to their new circumstances, and in some cases acquired new skills, it is often difficult for them to re-enter the labour market.
Removing the institutional barriers
Research carried out for RNIB's "Work Focus" pilots demonstrates the scale and number of potential barriers faced by blind and partially sighted job seekers.
For a person with sight loss to move from unemployment into work it may be necessary to:
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gain a reserve of confidence and sufficient motivation;
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learn about jobs being available;
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obtain an application form in an accessible format, such as Braille;
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have the autonomy to determine the means of doing the job as long as it meets the desired outcomes;
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overcome the negative perceptions of employers;
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travel to an interview;
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demonstrate their ability in an interview situation; and finally
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obtain Access to Work support.
Working for change
Through our campaigns and services RNIB is working hard to improve employment opportunities for blind and partially sighted people. We think employers and the Government could do a lot more to encourage blind and partially sighted people into work. Find out more about our support for employers and employment professionals and how you can get involved.