At present an average of 5.6 people are competing for every job, so we're committed to doing our bit to influence the future of the labour market to create opportunities for people with sight loss.
The Hire Vision campaign
In 2008 we launched the Hire Vision campaign to persuade the private sector to partner with charities such as our own to grow the number of Social Firms in this country.
A Social Firm is a business that produces goods or services for the market and employs a minimum of 25% disabled people. At present there are a very small number of Social Firms that employ people with sight loss including Clarity that sells detergents and our own conference and catering company Concept. RNIB Scotland have recently opened a Social Firm coffee shop employing staff with sight loss conditions.
Our 2012 activity centres around three Hire Vision events aimed at employers in Newcastle on 6 September, Loughborough on 11 September and Leeds on 13 September.
What can I do?
We're always looking for more businesses to join the campaign, so if you're currently in work please ask your Head of Personnel to attend one of these events on behalf of the business.
You could also ask your Head of HR to invite a Hire Vision spokesperson to speak to the board about how Hire Vision will help the business fulfil its commitments to diversity or corporate social responsibility
If you're interested in getting involved please contact campaigns@rnib.org.uk
The Blind Bit of Difference competition
We are launching the Blind Bit of Difference Competition Challenge in UK universities, to develop innovative business solutions to the need for work or income generation opportunities for people with sight loss.
There are three ways you could help with the Blind bit of Difference competition depending on who you are...
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If you're a student, ask your own university to become a competition partner.
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If you're a student at UCL or LBS, contact us to express an interest in entering the competion.
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If you're an employer, countact us if your business would wish to sponsor student prizes or incentivise the student's creativity.
You can get in touch with us at campaigns@rnib.org.uk