Luminus, the eastern region’s most inspirational employer, has been awarded the Two Ticks symbol to recognise that it actively encourages work for people with disabilities.

The accreditation is awarded by Jobcentre Plus, and employers must demonstrate the following five commitments in order to earn the symbol:

1. To interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for a job vacancy and to consider them on their abilities
2. To discuss with disabled employees, at any time but at least once a year, what can be done to make sure they can develop and use their abilities
3. To make every effort when employees become disabled to make sure they stay in employment
4. To take action to ensure that all employees develop the appropriate level of disability awareness needed to make these commitments work
5. To review these commitments every year and assess what has been achieved, plan ways to improve on them and let employees and Jobcentre Plus know about progress and future plans.

Luminus has demonstrated this commitment by currently working with disabled people, both in its workforce and on its Boards. One example is an employee who suffers with a long-term health condition, whom Luminus hired in 2013 through disability charity Papworth Trust’s rehabilitation programme. This employee had previously been unable to work due to his disability, but Luminus was able to accommodate him and use his skill set in order to fill a gap in one of its central teams.

The employee’s line manager said that he is “much appreciated and valued member of the team who has shown immense dedication, commitment and perseverance in his role”, and Luminus continues to provide ongoing support and flexibility to help manage his work around his health condition.

Luminus Group Chief Executive, Dr Chan Abraham, said: “Luminus is committed to treating people fairly and to encourage everyone to pursue their creative potential regardless of background.  We are therefore pleased to be recognised as an employer that actively welcomes people with disabilities.

We only hire employees who can show great attitude, clear focus, commitment and perseverance, which are core Luminus values, and people with these attributes also are welcomed in other areas of our business, including our Boards, forums and community projects. We hope this will inspire other organisations as we continue to ‘demonstrate a more excellent way of doing business’ and make progress along The Road to Renewal.”