Despite the rise in unemployment figures in this past year, the construction industry employs about 9.2% of the entire workforce. Out of the 1,183,200 people in the industry, only 91,600 are living with a disability.

There’s clearly a large level of underrepresentation of people living with disability in this industry and could be due to a perception that construction is not a suitable area for those living with disability.

A recent study has found that those making recruitment decisions in construction tend to prioritise those who the employer perceives to have the least barriers to work. It also found that lose living with disabilities were ranked the second highest in perceived barriers.

“It’s vital that decision makers in the construction industry are re-educated on their views toward people living with disability, as many don’t require any modification to their workplace and there are grants available for those that do,” atWork Australia general manager Disability Employment Service (DES) Steve Carder says.

“This underestimating of the capabilities and experience of this demographic is creating unwarranted underemployment amongst people living with disability in the industry.

“This is a missed opportunity as these workers have proven to be hugely beneficial to businesses’ productivity, staff turnover and bottom line.”

He adds that hiring a person with a disability shouldn’t be seen as an issue to overcome, but an opportunity to build stronger teams.

“It’s well documented that employees living with disability generate less staff turnover and a superior attendance over their peers,” he explains.

These benefits are echoed in other research, including a 2018 US study which showed that businesses were four times as likely to outperform their competitors’ shareholder returns if they prioritised the inclusion of those living with disability.

The talent pool of those living with disability grew significantly in 2020 adds Steve: “The DES caseload rose by over 30,000 last year, making this the time for construction businesses to rebuild their team with solid foundations with employees living with disability.

“In fact, while unemployment has risen, atWork Australia placed over 6,000 people living with disability, injury or health condition into employment or further education, showing that there are still jobs out there, which we anticipate will grow as businesses rebuild. We also expect the construction industry projected employment growth to reach 774,000 potential vacancies, resulting in an opportunity for those living with disability.”

Government-funded DES offer businesses a range of provisions that go beyond the main reasons companies engage recruitment services. Each placement is assisted by a post placement support consultant who works with the employee and employers during the first year to ensure all needs are met which sets the foundation for long-term employment.

Financial support for businesses accommodating people living with disability will become particularly important in March, as JobKeeper payments come to a close and employers reassess their workforce.

“As we enter 2021, it’s imperative that we continue to look forward with an optimistic caution,” Steve says.

“Businesses we are speaking to are struggling with employee wellbeing as well as recruiting and retaining staff.”

Tools like atWork Australia’s Disability Awareness Training, empower businesses to build a more accessible and inclusive workplace and confidently support their employees living with disability.