As of 1 October 1995, the most recent date for which data are available, the proportion of people with disabilities employed in the Civil Service was 3 per cent. The following tabular statement lists, by Department, the percentage of staff with a disability employed on 1 October 1995.
Each Head of Department is fully aware of the Government policy in relation to the employment of people with disabilities, which was reiterated in the Code of Practice for the Employment of People with Disabilities in the Civil Service, a copy of which is issued to all staff. The code of practice calls on all Government Departments to continue to play their full part in employing people with disabilities. In addition, since 1993, the Civil Service Commissioners have assigned a member of their staff as liaison officer for the recruitment of people with disabilities to the Civil Service to liaise with candidates, Departments and relevant specialised organisations.
The quota of 3 per cent applies to the Civil Service as a whole, not to individual Departments or grades. However, as can be seen from the list, the majority of Departments had 3 per cent or more disabled people on their staff as of 1 October 1995.
While the matter is kept continuously under review, there are no plans at the moment to alter the 3 per cent quota. The priority at present is to ensure that (a) the quota is maintained; and (b) the working environment in the Civil Service is such that staff with disabilities can contribute to their full potential.