Local MSP Gil Paterson says he was delighted to speak at the recent West Dunbartonshire DWP Disability Confident event.

The Disability Confident scheme supports employers to make the most of the considerable talent that disabled people and those with long term health conditions can bring to business.

It means disabled people have the opportunity to fulfil their potential and realise their aspirations.

At the event, held in the Golden Jubilee Hospital, Mr Paterson also presented a video showcasing the benefit to both employee and employer of being able to recruit and retain from the widest possible pool of talent and help keep valuable skills and experience.

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Mr Paterson told the Post: “I was delighted to be able to welcome attendees at this terrific and very worthwhile event.

“There were lots of businesses in attendance hearing about the outstanding work to help employers become Disability Confident and give disabled people the opportunity to fulfil their potential and realise their aspirations.

“It was good to be able to share my very positive experience, as the owner of a business which my son now runs, of employing disabled people.

“I have found disabled workers in my company to be amongst the most loyal and hardworking employees. Two disabled people have been with my company for over 25 years – one in a senior position.

“I believe my experience highlights what I call the worth of people and the valuable contribution disabled people can make to a business.”