Employing Disabled People in North Wales: What Employers Need to Know
Many North Wales employers want to recruit more inclusively but are unsure where to start, what support is available, or whether workplace adjustments will be costly or complicated.
This guide answers common employer concerns and highlights practical support available across North Wales to help businesses recruit, onboard and retain disabled people and people with health conditions.
Whether you are looking to fill a vacancy, offer a work placement, improve staff wellbeing or support someone to stay in work, there are local services that can help.
Will workplace adjustments be expensive?
Many employers worry that supporting disabled employees will be costly or complicated. In reality, most reasonable adjustments are simple, practical and low-cost.
In practice:
- Most adjustments cost little or nothing
- Flexible working arrangements often benefit multiple employees
- Existing workplace software and equipment may already provide solutions
- Simple changes to tasks, communication methods or working patterns can make a significant difference
- Additional support may be available through Access to Work
We did have fears that it would be costly if any adjustments were needed, but we needn’t have worried. It has been no extra expense and with the specialist support from the job coach it has been a smooth journey.
Manager | Oaks Care Home | Deeside
What if we don’t know how to support someone?
Many employers feel unsure about disability, health conditions or workplace adjustments and worry about getting things wrong.
You do not need to be a specialist to recruit inclusively. Good communication, openness and a willingness to make practical changes are often the most important starting points.
The reality:
- You don’t need expert knowledge to provide effective support
- Disabled employees perform to the same standards when barriers are removed
- Free advice and support are available to employers
- Local services can help with recruitment, onboarding and workplace adjustments
Across North Wales, specialist programmes work directly with employers to build confidence and provide practical support.
What about performance and managing fairly?
Inclusive recruitment does not mean lowering expectations. Employees should continue to be managed fairly and consistently, while considering any reasonable adjustments that may be required.
Many employers find that disabled employees bring valuable skills, commitment and different perspectives to their workforce.
The reality:
- Normal performance management processes still apply
- Clear guidance exists to help employers remain legally compliant
- Reasonable adjustments can help employees perform at their best
- Inclusive workplaces often benefit all staff
It has completely changed my perspective about hiring someone with a learning disability. She has shown that with the right opportunity, people with learning disabilities can thrive. She comes in well presented, on time, and ready to work, and is actually a role model for others.
Owner | Tu Mundo | Prestatyn
Programmes available to support Employers
North Wales Together Supported Employment Service
To support people with learning disabilities into paid work and help North Wales employers create well-matched, supported job opportunities.
- Job matching with suitable candidates
- Recruiting and onboarding support
- Advice on reasonable adjustments
- In-work job coaching and ongoing support
- Find out more
RCS Go Gwyrdd
To connect young people aged 16–30 with disabilities, additional needs or from underrepresented groups with green sector opportunities across North Wales.
- Access to young people
- Workplace mentoring and placements
- Funded 6–12 month placements
- Disability awareness and neurodiversity training
- Find out more
Connect to Work North Wales
To help employers recruit and retain people who face barriers to work, while supporting individuals into sustainable employment.
- Matching employers with motivated candidates
- One-to-one support for employers and employees
- Advice on reasonable adjustments and inclusive practice
- Support for existing staff who may be struggling to stay in work
- Find out more
RCS In-Work Support Service
To help North Wales employers improve workplace wellbeing and support staff to stay in work or return to work with confidence
- Workplace wellbeing support and training
- Support for employees and self-employed people
- Help for staff to stay in work or return to work
- Psychological therapy, physiotherapy and occupational therapy
- Find out more
Get started
Find support with inclusive recruitment, workplace adjustments and workplace wellbeing through local training and support providers, or discover success stories from employers across North Wales.
