How job security affects people with disability differently

Key points:

• atWork Australia placed 18,400 Australians into sustainable employment in 2022 through partnerships with more than 3,500 employers

• International Day of People with Disability, December 3, commemorated the lives, struggles and triumphs of people with disability worldwide

• A joint submission to the Australian Parliament argued that the adverse ‘health burden’ linked to job insecurity could exceed that linked to unemployment, impacting a greater proportion of workers — 15 – 25 percent, as opposed to four to five percent

Research from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare shows that people living with a disability are twice as likely to be unemployed compared to those who aren’t, potentially impacting their self-confidence and overall well-being.

Of the one in nine Australians who live with disability, as many as 93 percent have found difficulties securing employment. As Australia’s population ages, the likelihood of experiencing disability also increases.

Up to 51 percent of individuals aged 65 years or older are living with disability. The prevalence of disability at an older age, compounded with ageism in the workplace can lead to discrimination against older workers with disability.

Leading employment services provider, atWork Australia, highlighted the importance of secure employment for Australians living with disability or chronic health conditions on December 3 — International Day of People With Disability.

atWork Australia supports a wide variety of clients living with disability, injury, mental and physical health conditions or those who require additional support every year to find meaningful work that reflects their interests and goals.

Queenslander, Stewart, 56, has been receiving support from atWork Australia to help get him on track to secure employment. Stewart’s journey began 10 years ago when he underwent open-heart surgery, two disc-related back injuries and now faces diabetes, all of which, he claimed, set him back both physically and mentally.

“My confidence was severely knocked back when any time a workplace viewed my résumé, it was instantly declined after seeing the conditions I have,” Stewart said.

Stewart, along with his job coach, Kelly, worked through the skill and capability enhancements needed to support him in the workforce, including résumé and cover letter assistance, emotional and confidence support, training support and more.

The most important factor for Stewart was the support provided for his mental health; having someone to support him had allowed him to gain the confidence and determination to turn his life around by finding work.

“Kelly really helped pick me back up at a low stage of life, leading my employment journey to secure me a job that understands and is inclusive of my needs,” Stewart said.

To find out more about how atWork Australia and join the thousands of people with unique needs on their employment journey, visit the atWork Australia website.

How has your job changed your life or how have you managed to secure work? Let the team at Talking Disability know your story and subscribe to the FREE weekly newsletter to learn more.

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