As part of European Day of the Disabled, firms in the region are taking part in an event to publicise the benefits of recruiting and retaining disabled employees.

Companies attending will be given a copy of a best practice kit, advising them on the benefits of recruiting disabled employees.

"The Knowledge" day at Durham County Cricket Club has been arranged by Jobcentre Plus in the North East.

It explains how to deal with different sorts of disability, and how to recruit disabled people

Paul Newman

Paul Newman, from the Employer's Forum on Disability, said: "There has been a lot of research which shows that disabled people stay with employers for longer and have lower absentee rates.

"In my experience, employing disabled people provides a tremendous benefit to an organisation.

"Many companies find they have disabled people working for them who reflect the sort of customers they are dealing with."

He said discrimination against disabled people was often based on fear, which was itself based on ignorance.

Two ticks

Mr Newman said: "That is why we are launching "The Knowledge", a large document which employers can use as a resource, as a library of information.

"It explains how to deal with different sorts of disability, and how to recruit disabled people."

He said that although there is already legislation to prevent discrimination, "compliance with the law is just the first step".

The prestigious "two ticks" symbol will be given to companies in the region who have demonstrated their commitment to provide facilities and opportunities for people with disabilities.