Disability group calls out council
An employment agency that helps people with disabilities has accused Invercargill City Council of not employing its job seekers.
The criticism was levelled at the council as it considers a draft disabilities policy, which aims to reduce barriers and create a more inclusive city.
In response, an Invercargill City Council spokesperson said the organisation was committed to providing equal opportunities to people of all abilities and planned to meet with the recruitment agency.
A report relating to Tākata Whaikaha (disabled people) highlighted issues between the council and a support organisation.
It shows the council contacted Workbridge — a recruitment agency for people encountering barriers to work — on August 16, advising consultation was under way for its draft disabilities policy.
Workbridge employment consultant Averill Butson highlighted issues her organisation experienced working with the council.
“Probably from our perspective, the ICC [Invercargill City Council] hasn’t been supportive in connecting to Workbridge and when we have attempted to promote our clients for council jobs, they reply that they don’t work with ‘our people’,” Butson said.
“Recently they have said they are open to working with us but then don’t respond to us.”
Butson said she was happy to have her feedback put forward.
The council included Workbridge's views in its report, saying officers had noted the issue, were open to working with Workbridge, and were not aware of council saying it wouldn't work with the organisation.
However, Butson confirmed to Local Democracy Reporting that the council would not employ the people her organisation worked with.
“Our people are from all walks of life with barriers.
“We enrol people who have a sickness, past or present injury, mental illness and they can be self-diagnosed,” she said.
“Some of our clients are highly skilled so it's a real mixture.”
Invercargill City Council group manager community engagement and corporate services Trudie Hurst said her organisation was committed to providing equal opportunities to people of all abilities.
“Until this issue was recently raised with us, council was not aware of this view but we are now working with Workbridge to understand this matter further.”
On Tuesday, the council was due to conduct a hearing for its draft policy which was adopted for consultation in July.
Thirty-one responses were received during consultation.
Twenty-five came from the general public and the remainder from organisations.
Key issues raised include the lack of a sign language interpreter in Southland and problems with parking, sidewalks and crossings.
A meeting is scheduled between Workbridge and the council this month. LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air