Disability Confident Scheme and Guaranteed Interviews

What is the Disability Confident Scheme

The Disability Confident scheme supports employers to make the most of the talents which disabled people can bring to the workplace. The scheme helps employers to attract, recruit and retain high quality staff who are skilled, loyal, and hardworking. Employers who are registered with the Disability Confident Scheme are recognised as going the extra mile to make sure that disabled people and those with certain health conditions get a fair chance when applying for job vacancies.

How does this apply to Verallia UK?

Verallia UK, like all other employers who have signed up for the Disability Confident scheme, is committed to equality in the workplace. We encourage applications from the widest possible pool of talent by offering a Guaranteed Interview to any job applicant who declares that they have a disability, provided the applicant meets the essential criteria for the job as defined in the job advertisement.

Defining a Disability

You are disabled under the Equality Act 2010 if you have a physical or mental impairment that has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on your ability to do normal daily activities. As an equal opportunity’s employer, we encourage applications from people who consider themselves to have a disability falling within this definition.

It is important to note that you automatically meet the disability definition under the Equality Act 2010 from the day you’re diagnosed with an HIV infection, cancer, or multiple sclerosis; this provision will remain throughout your life in recognition of the impact that such a condition has on an individual.

Guaranteed Interviews and the Law

The Disability Confident Scheme is a government-backed initiative which employers can choose to adopt. Guaranteed interviews are a lawful form of positive action under the Equality Act 2010.

Exceptions of the Guaranteed Interview Scheme

It’s important to note that there may be occasions where it is not practicable or appropriate to interview all disabled people that meet the essential criteria for the job. For example, in certain recruitment situations where there has been a large volume of applicants, Verallia UK may wish to limit the overall number of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people.

In these circumstances, the organisation will select the applicants who best meet the essential criteria detailed in the vacancy to attend an interview from both those who have applied via the disability confident scheme and other applicants for the job, rather than being able to offer an interview to all of those applying via the Guaranteed Interview Scheme that meets the essential criteria.

How do I apply?

If you are disabled and meet the essential criteria for an advertised role you can forward your application and cover letter to: DCSRecruitment@verallia.co.uk or, if applying via a relevant job search portal, indicate on the “Candidate Screening Questions” that you wish to apply for a guaranteed interview under the Disability Confident Scheme. Subject to the exceptions outlined above, and providing your application demonstrates how you will meet the essential criteria, you will be invited to attend an interview.

You can choose not to use this option, indicating you have a disability. In that case, you will be considered for interview in the same way as all other applicants.

How the information will be used

By advising that you wish to be considered for a guaranteed interview via the Disability Confident Scheme, you consent to us using this information within the HR Department to assist us with shortlisting candidates for interview. We will not use it for any other purpose, and, at the interview, it will not influence decisions when making appointments

No further questions or information about your disability will be asked before or at the interview by Human Resources or the Recruiting Manager. You may want to inform us, once invited, that you need reasonable adjustments to attend the interview.

If the interview or any such candidate selection process includes a tour of our Production or Decoration Plants, an additional Questionnaire will be issued and processed by our Occupational Health & Well-Being Department in order to determine whether there are any additional Health & Safety considerations required, or if any adjustments to this process may be deemed necessary due to the inherent risks of visiting an active Glass Production or Decoration Facility. This information will not be used for any other purpose, nor at the interview, will it influence appointment decisions.

I have further questions – Where can I find out more information?

For further information on the Disability Confident Scheme, please visit Disability Confident employer scheme – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

If you require further advice or guidance regarding an application that you have made or are considering making under the Disability Confident Employer Scheme please email: DCSRecruitment@verallia.co.uk