Disability and the two ticks symbol

East Thames has a positive attitude towards job applications from disabled people and we are keen to know about your abilities.

East Thames operates the “two ticks” scheme – which is a recognition given by Jobcentre Plus to employers based in Great Britain who have agreed to take action to meet five commitments regarding the employment, retention, training and career development of disabled employees.

What is the Disability Symbol?

The disability symbol is made up of two ticks and the words 'positive about disabled people'. You will see the symbol displayed on our job adverts and job descriptions.
The symbol is awarded by Jobcentre Plus to employers in England, Scotland and Wales who have made commitments to employ, keep and develop the abilities of disabled staff.

How will I recognise the Disability Symbol?

The Disability Symbol (displayed above) is a circular symbol, with two ticks.

How is the symbol relevant to me as a jobseeker or employee?

Many employers, particularly larger or public sector employers (e.g. local authorities), have signed up to the scheme and display its logo. Employers who have signed up make various commitments, the most important of which is that they guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for a job vacancy.

Having the disability symbol means that East Thames make five commitments regarding recruitment, training, retention, consultation and disability awareness.
These commitments are:

• To interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for a job vacancy and to consider them on their abilities
• To discuss with disabled employees, at any time but at least once a year, what both parties can do to make sure disabled employees can develop and use their abilities
• To make every effort when employees become disabled to make sure they stay in employment
• To take action to ensure that all employees develop the appropriate level of disability awareness needed to make these commitments work
• To review these commitments each 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

Isn't this positive discrimination?

Implementation of the Two Ticks scheme does not breach employment legislation. The Disability Discrimination Act permits this kind of positive action. Remember, that although disabled candidates who meet the essential criteria on the person specification are guaranteed an interview, they are not guaranteed a job offer. The disabled candidate must be considered on their merits along with other candidates.

What happens if I become disabled or there are changes to my disability whilst working for East Thames Group?

If this should happen and there are aspects of your present employment which require reasonable adjustments or that make it difficult for you to carry on in the same work, as a symbol user East Thames Group will do all they can to provide reasonable adjustments to make sure you can stay in a job.