The Disability Symbol 

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What is the Disability Symbol?

It is a recognition given by the Employment Service to employers who have agreed to take action to meet five commitments regarding the employment, retention, training and career development of disabled employees.

How is the symbol relevant to me as a jobseeker or employee?

Symbol using employers make five commitments regarding the employment, retention, training and career development of Disabled People.  These commitments ensure that Disabled People are supported by employers and treated fairly at every stage of their selection and employment.

What are the five commitments made by employers?

Employers who use the symbol have agreed with the Employment Service that they will take action on these five commitments: -

  • to interview all applicants with a disability who meet the minimum criteria for a job vacancy and consider them on their abilities;

  • to ensure there is a mechanism in place to discuss, at any time, but at least once a year, with disabled employees what you and they can do to make sure they can develop and use their abilities;

  • to make every effort when employees become disabled to make sure they stay in employment;

  • to take action to ensure that all employees develop the appropriate level of disability awareness needed to make your commitments work; and

  • each year, to review the five commitments and what has been achieved, to plan ways to improve on them and let employees and the Employment Service know about progress and future plans.

The Disability Symbol

How will I recognise the Disability Symbol?

The Disability Symbol, shown, is a circular symbol, usually green, with two ticks.

Positive about disabled people logo

What does it mean if I see the Disability Symbol on a job advert?

It means the employer will guarantee to interview you if you meet the minimum criteria for that job.  Find out from the employer what the minimum criteria are.  That way, you'll have a good idea of whether its worth applying and what to expect.

What if I'm already working for a symbol user?

If you're working for an employer who uses the symbol, and you are disabled, you'll have the chance to say whether more can be done so that you are able to develop in your job and use your abilities fully.  The guaranteed interview promise also applies to vacancies advertised internally in your organisation, provided you meet the minimum criteria for the job.  Check what these are before applying.

What if I become disabled or it becomes difficult to do my job because of disability?

If you become disabled, or if there are changes in your circumstances or in aspects of your present job which make it difficult for you to carry on in the same work, as a symbol user your employer will do all they can to make sure you can stay in a job.

Are my legal rights as a Disabled Person affected by my employer being a symbol user?

Symbol using employers are covered by the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) in the same way as other employers of 15 or more people.  The action they take as a symbol user is in addition to any obligations placed on them by the Act, and in no way affects your rights as a Disabled Person under this Act.  More information on the Disability Discrimination Act can be found on our Disability Discrimination Act page.