More than 40 Employers Sign Up to Campaign to Open up Workplaces for People with Disabilities.

Major Irish organisations including SIPTU and Cook Medical back disability organisation, Rehab Group’s drive to open doors for people excluded from the workforce on International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

A new national campaign aimed at transforming how Ireland supports people into meaningful work has launched today with the backing of 40 employers from across the country. The More than a Job Campaign launched by Rehab to mark this year’s International Day of Persons with Disabilities today, Wednesday, December 3rd called the More Than a Job Campaign brings together unions, SMEs, and voluntary organisations committed to ensuring that access to employment is fair, flexible and genuinely open to everyone.

Developed in response to the growing number of disabled people locked out of the labour market, the campaign asks employers to rethink how they hire, train and support staff. The goal is simple: to make work possible for people who have the ability and desire to contribute, but who rarely get the chance.

Interim Ceo of Rehab Group, Finbarr Murray said: “At the heart of the More Than a Job campaign is a practical framework that helps employers take real, measurable steps toward inclusion. This includes widening entry routes into work, offering flexible and supportive recruitment processes, providing on-the-job training and mentorship, and building workplace cultures where people feel valued rather than scrutinised.

The campaign formally launched today with forty employers already signed up, including SIPTU, one of Ireland’s largest trade unions, Cook Medical, a major international employer, retailer Mr Price and a number of voluntary organisations such as the Disability Federation of Ireland.

Mr Murray said: “There are thousands of people across Ireland who want to work but cannot get past the first hurdle because the system isn’t built for them. When people are given a fair chance, they thrive. But too many people with disabilities are shut out of opportunities. Ireland has one of the lowest disability employment rates in Europe, and that simply isn’t good enough. We can do better, and we have to.”

A spokesperson for SIPTU said: “Too many people who want to work are shut out because the system wasn’t designed with them in mind. More Than a Job is a chance to put fairness and dignity back at the centre of employment. SIPTU is proud to support any effort that opens doors and gives workers a real chance to build their lives.”

Edel McSorley, Head of Operations with Mr Price said: “At Mr Price, we employ many talented people with disabilities, and we see every day how much stronger our teams are when they reflect the communities we serve. Inclusion is not an add-on for us it’s a driver of innovation. That is why we were delighted to sign up to the More Than a Job campaign. It gives employers a practical way to turn good intentions into meaningful action.”

Although Ireland has a strong labour market, many groups remain significantly under-represented in employment. The campaign’s organisers say the cost of exclusion both social and economic is simply too high to ignore.

“Every day, we see the talent, the creativity, and the commitment that people with disabilities bring to the workplace. And we see how inclusive employment transforms lives, not just for the individual, but for whole teams, organisations, and communities.” Every employer that joins sends a message that opportunity shouldn’t depend on someone’s circumstances,” said Mr Murray. “This launch is just the start. The momentum is real, and we expect many more organisations to come on board in the weeks ahead,” said Mr Murray.

Businesses that sign up gain access to national platform to demonstrate leadership in social impact. Employers can join regardless of size or sector. Employers can sign the pledge and join the movement here Join the More Than a Job Movement