JOBSEEKERS with disabilities met with dozens of employers during a fair to readdress a “horrifying” imbalance between the number of able bodied and disabled people in jobs.

The annual EmployAbility fair helped disabled people meet with careers experts and employers to get advice about getting a job.

The fair was organised by Wiltshire Council and co-hosted by JobCentre Plus.

Employer adviser, Maurice Menghini, said: “There is a disparity between the numbers of able-bodied and disabled people in jobs. The figures are horrifying.

“It is our mission to do something about that, and every time we place a person with a disability in a job I say, ‘Hallelujah!’ Because that means a person who might have been falling short of their potential is in work, getting a boost in self-esteem, earning money and paying taxes.

“There is a job for everyone, regardless of disability, and today is a wonderful event because we are surrounded by employers with vacancies to fill this very day.”

Baroness Jane Scott, Leader of Wiltshire Council, said: “I know personally how difficult it can be to get that first start into work. My daughter is disabled and works, but at first it can be difficult while you are getting over initial difficulties to do with access and so on.

“We are doing everything we can to help people back into work. It’s good for them, and also good for organisations which struggle to fill their vacancies.”

The fair took place on October 2 at County Hall in Trowbridge and was attended by dozens of companies including BT Openreach and The Order of St John Care Trust.