Fiji’s current labour market shortages present a major opportunity to increase the participation of persons with disabilities in the workforce.
Speaking to fijivillage News, Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation Chief Executive Officer Edward Bernard revealed that out of the 296,825 people employed in Fiji, only 1,199 are persons with disabilities.
He says this is a clear indication that more must be done to ensure equal opportunities and meaningful inclusion.
Bernard stressed that the country is currently experiencing both a skills gap and a labour gap, making it an ideal time to engage marginalised groups, including women, youth, and persons with disabilities.
He says tripartite collaboration between the FCEF, Fiji Trades Union Congress, and the government is essential to achieving this.
Bernard says that while disability-inclusive labour forums have been held in the past, they have not been frequent enough to create a sustained impact, adding that if we truly want to address this issue, more such forums are needed and, more importantly, action must follow.
Bernard says the Ministry of Employment's National Employment Centre (NEC) is best placed to support persons with disabilities seeking jobs and to assist young people transitioning from school to employment.
He says that on the employer side, FCEF is working to establish a dedicated group of companies in Fiji that follow international best practice through the Global Disability Network.
He adds that several companies operating in Fiji are already part of the global network, including Aqua Group of Hotels and Total Energies.
Bernard says uniting these organisations will help strengthen collaboration and create new pathways for persons with disabilities to enter the workforce.
He emphasised that improving disability inclusion is not just a social responsibility but a strategic economic opportunity for Fiji.
