New UOB initiative to push for greater inclusive hiring

Singapore

UNITED Overseas Bank (UOB) has launched a new initiative to help more companies in Singapore hire people with disabilities.

The local bank announced on Tuesday that it is partnering government-established agency SG Enable, the Autism Resource Centre (ARC), the Movement for the Intellectually Disabled of Singapore (Minds), and SPD to do this. (see amendment note)

Gan Ai Im, the head of group brand at UOB, said: "To help cultivate a more inclusive mindset among companies in Singapore, we are collaborating with our public and people sector partners and have been actively engaging our corporate clients, business partners and other organisations to share best practices."

To participate, interested companies can first carry out an online self-assessment of their readiness for inclusive hiring using the Workplace Disability Inclusive Index.

UOB will then link up these companies with SG Enable, which will, in turn, work with ARC, Minds and SPD to identify suitable candidates. Training will also be provided for both employers and employees.

In addition, SG Enable will provide grants to eligible firms under the Open Door Programme, a government-funded initiative by the Ministry of Social and Family Development and Workforce Singapore.

"We are heartened to see increasing interest among employers to hire persons with disabilities and to champion inclusive employment," said SG Enable chief executive officer Ku Geok Boon.

UOB commenced a pilot of this initiative in July 2017 when it facilitated the employment of persons with disabilities by three companies.

More information can be found at employment.sgenable.sg/employers/get-assessed/

Amendment note: An earlier version of this article stated that SG Enable is a government agency. It is in fact a government-established agency. The article above has been revised to reflect this.