In Tarn-et-Garonne, Pôle Emploi and Cap’Emploi are launching a project for long-term applicants with disabilities, to encourage them to return to work.
It all started with an observation. At the Pôle emploi de Montauban Albasud, 10% of job seekers are disabled. And as a general rule, long-term or very long-term unemployment (more than 12 or 24 months) affects twice as many disabled workers as others. As Radia Barbach, deputy director of this agency, explains, it is therefore to “accelerate exits” towards employment for this public, while responding to the recruitment difficulties of companies, that the agency launched a few weeks a dedicated initiative. Entitled La route de l’emploi, it organises, with the support of Cap’Emploi, enhanced support. On the program: workshops to enhance the skills of the participants, but also to work on self-esteem. “This involves simple exercises with a sophrologist, which is new,” says Radia Barbach.
Many conversions
Research tools, self-image but also discussions and sponsorship with professionals… over five weeks, the ten job seekers will have regular meetings, which will end with a trip to the company, which could then lead to “a immersion period, the first step towards sustainable recruitment”.
This support takes into account the specificities of job seekers with disabilities. Which are not necessarily those we believe, so much the image of a person in a wheelchair imposes itself first in people’s minds. “Let’s take a caregiver with back and shoulder pain. It becomes impossible for her to continue to exercise this profession. She can be recognized as a disabled worker and when she registers with Pôle emploi, she will have to validate a new professional project, then surely to train”, explains Julie Lenfant, director of Cap’Emploi. This explains, in particular, that long-term unemployment affects people with disabilities more. But it is perfectly possible to promote this experience to recruiters, insists Julie Lenfant. “These people already have a professional past and know the world of work and its codes. Giving themselves the means to bounce back is something that speaks to employers.”
release the brakes
On the employers’ side, many barriers to hiring workers with disabilities have been removed, according to Pôle emploi and Cap’Emploi. “Companies have a significant openness in their recruitment processes and do not hesitate to set up training actions”, indicates Radia Barbach. A legal obligation affects structures with more than 20 employees. “But those below this threshold also recruit, and even more,” certifies Julie Lenfant.
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