ONE in four deaf people have quit their job due to discrimination, according to a new study.
And more than half (56%) of deaf or hard of hearing employees have experienced discrimination during their career.
The study, conducted by totaljobs in partnership with five deaf charities, found that discrimination was most likely to come from colleagues (62%), and then from management (53%).
More than one third of deaf jobseekers (37%) have faced discrimination as early as the interview stage.
While the vast majority (74%) of deaf people feel confident they have the right skills to look for work, almost the same number (72%) have received no support because of being deaf in finding a job.
Furthermore, only 13% believe there is enough support available to help deaf people to look for work.
One in four workers state there is no provision for deaf employees at their workplace and nearly half (47%) said that they did not receive support and guidance from their employer for issues related to being deaf.
Almost one in five (19%) people have not told their employer they are deaf or have experienced hearing loss.
And one third (34%) of deaf people claim lack of deaf awareness as the biggest challenge facing deaf people in the workplace.
John Salt, totaljobs group sales director, said: “Sadly, discrimination in the workplace can be compounded by a lack of awareness and support from employers. But the benefits of providing this support are obvious.
“Inclusive employers that engage diverse workforces tap into a broad talent pool with skills, abilities and experience that bring fresh perspective and benefits to the business.”
Dr Terry Riley, chair of the British Deaf Association, said: “We must make sure more employers and deaf employees are fully aware of the availability of Access to Work which is vital in helping deaf people reach their full potential at work.
“It is clear that a national awareness campaign about Access to Work is required”
Rob Burley, head of public affairs and campaigns at Action on Hearing Loss, said: “We know that people with hearing loss face significant barriers when looking for work. It’s imperative that employers change their attitudes towards both employing people who are deaf or hard of hearing and to supporting those already in the workforce who may have, or might develop, a hearing loss.”
http://www.totaljobs.com/insidejob/deaf-jobseeker-employee-report-2016/
