South West businesses open doors to give job seekers with disability ‘chance to shine’ during WorkAbility Week

South West businesses are supporting people with disability and injuries to help them get their foot in the door as part of a week aimed at supporting jobseekers to overcome barriers to employment. Forrest Personnel’s annual WorkAbility Week runs until Sunday and serves to introduce employers to the talented pool of jobseekers who live with an injury, illness or disability and are often overlooked when it comes to hiring workers. Recent figures show more than 20,000 people living with a disability in WA are looking for work and these skilled workers are often overlooked when employers are looking for staff. Forrest Personnel employment consultant Donna Bastow said people with disability were often given menial tasks when they were in fact a skilled and eager workforce who just needed to be presented with a fair opportunity. “If they’re not given the chance, how will they shine?” “Everyone has a place to fit in the workplace,” she said. “This is a great opportunity to promote our clients’ skills and talents. “If they’re not given the chance, how will they shine?” Ms Bastow said it was about matching jobseekers with placements that worked well with their skill sets. “If we find them somewhere to go where they will thrive, it can often lead to the outcome of employment or further workplace opportunities,” she said. Bunbury businesses including Sabotage Clothing Boutique and Ryan’s Quality Meats have joined employers across WA who are supporting the jobseekers for WorkAbility Week. Sabotage owner Megan Gianfrancecso said she was privileged to take part in the initiative and host jobseeker Emma Povee. “It’s a great opportunity to give everyone the chance to work in a different environment like a boutique,” she said. “Everyone needs to have the chance to get in the door and if I can help with that and share new skills then that’s an honour. “It’s a way to give back to the community.”