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John Lewis achieves Disability Confident Leader status

By Huw Hughes

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Retail

The John Lewis Partnership has achieved the highest accreditation in the Department for Work and Pensions’ scheme for its initiative in recruiting and retaining people with disabilities.

The partnership, which has been a Disability Confident Employer since 2017, has been given the ‘Leader’ accreditation for its various initiatives, such as using inclusive job boards like Evenbreak, and coaching its recruitment team to support applicants who may need support or adjustments.

The partnership also provides disability awareness training for all its partners, bias and mental health training for line managers, as well as an Ability Network made up of nearly 600 members which helps raise awareness about mental or physical challenges. Additionally, the partnership is currently trialling an interview process which caters to applicants who find traditional interview methods challenging.

“Being visually impaired means I might work in a slightly different way, such as needing a larger screen or more time to digest a briefing document, but I’m just as capable of doing the work as anyone else,” Jonathan Fleet, skills compliance partner, John Lewis & Partners Trumpington Customer Delivery Hub, said in a statement.

“Getting the necessary adjustments sorted is essential, but what has been most important is being recognised and seen as a valued partner. I think it’s crucial for people of all abilities to be able to find work that suits them and feel supported and appreciated in their roles.”

Yulia O’Mahony, head of D&I and wellbeing, at John Lewis Partnership, added: "We are very proud to have achieved the status of Disability Confident Leader, in recognition for our work in ensuring the partnership is an accessible and inclusive place of work and all partners can fulfill their potential.

“Providing employment opportunities for people of all abilities is not only the right thing to do, but benefits us a business through accessing and unleashing diverse talent and expertise, and we will continue to strive to push the boundaries of being a disability confident employer.”

Photo credit: John Lewis, Facebook

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