Employers who do not abide by the legal quota of disabled workers must contribute €1,600 annually for each disabled person they do not employ.

The contribution stands at €800 and doubling it seeks to ensure that companies with more than 20 workers abide by a law stating that two per cent of employees have to be disabled.

The money will go towards the Lino Spiteri Foundation, an integration fund used for employment and training of disabled people. The funds will also be used to employ job coaches who can help employers and disabled people at work.

Since implementing this law over the past year, 24 disabled people have been finding a job every month. Before, there would only be some 100 vacancies for people with a disability every year.

To encourage the employment of more disabled people, such employers will be exempt from social security contributions for disabled employees and they can claim back 25 per cent of the salary together with a €125 weekly subsidy for three years.

The funds will be used to employ job coaches

Another incentive to encourage inclusion will be the creation of a €12 million hub adapted for people with a disability. Apart from hosting private residences, it will include a hostel, a respite centre, commercial outlets, a swimming pool, a day centre and underground parking.

Meanwhile, the government will continue implementing its Soċjetà Ġusta project that includes 10 community homes for the disabled.

The first such house in Siġġiewi has already opened its doors to residents, another home is being completed in Gozo, while applications have been submitted to the planning authority for a house in Żabbar and another in Pembroke.

The other homes in the pipeline include houses in the proposed Pace Grasso complex, mentioned in last year’s speech for this year’s Budget.

The Pace Grasso site in Paola will be regenerated and will include an EU co-funded €30 million regional health centre, a family resources centre and community residential facilities for the disabled.

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