A new employment programme designed to get people with health conditions and disabilities into work has been launched in the Bay of Plenty.

EmployAbility involves Work and Income staff matching clients to jobs which suit their particular skills, with ongoing support provided to them and their employer once a person gets a job.

Disability Issues Minister Nicky Wagner. File Photo.

EmployAbility is an extension of the successful Christchurch-based programme Project 300 which saw 584 people find employment over a 12 month period to April 2016, says Disability Issues Minister Nicky Wagner.

'The Bay of Plenty was chosen as the most suitable region to begin EmployAbility due to its seasonal, growing labour market and the significant expansion in the aged care, construction and service sectors.”

'What we learnt from Project 300 is that engaging with and supporting both employers and employees helps to form a mutually beneficial relationship. It's about matching the right person to the right job.”

Nicky believes finding employment is more than just earning a crust to live on.

Working gives people confidence and independence, helps them build a better future for them and their families connects them with the community, she says.

'People with health conditions and disabilities tell me that they want the same opportunity to work that other people have and that having a job is important to them.

'EmployAbility will help employers build successful businesses, great teams and stronger communities,” says Nicky.

The Ministry of Social Development now wants to hear from employers about what help they need to employ people with health conditions and disabilities, and what they need to become a disability confident employer.

For more information visit the The Ministry of Social Development's website at: www.workandincome.govt.nz/employers/