A programme of events to support employers in developing their awareness of disability issues and to help them take advantage of the advice and services available from Jobcentre Plus, has been announced by the government.

Realising Potential is a partnership project between the National Employment Panel, the Employers' Forum on Disability and Jobcentre Plus. It is funded by the Government's Office for Disability Issues and forms part of a wider programme of engagement with employers on disability-related issues. The project was piloted in March 2007 and the programme will continue until March 2008.

The project aims to reach a thousand employers through 22 seminars taking place across the country, which will use the experience and knowledge of the National Employment Panel and the Employers' Forum on Disability, and develop the case for the recruitment and retention of disabled people.

Minister for Disabled People, Anne McGuire, says: "Many businesses already employ disabled people and are reaping the rewards. These events will help more employers to gain a better understanding of disability and the range of support that is available to them from Jobcentre Plus."