The Labour Department helped 2,267 disabled job seekers find work in the first 11 months of the year - a 56% placement rate.

Some 82% of the 447 disabled job seekers, who joined the department's one-month trial placement scheme, were offered jobs afterwards.

The department will continue to run its Trial Placement-cum-Mentor Scheme for People with a Disability.

Officiating at the Enlightened Employers Award Presentation Ceremony today, Permanent Secretary for Economic Development & Labour Matthew Cheung said as the unemployment rate was high and the job market competitive, disabled job seekers should strive for continuous improvement and enhance their work skills.

He said the department provides diversified employment services to the disabled. It encourages employers to adopt an open mind and provide equal employment opportunities to help the disabled develop their potential and contribute to the community.

The department has introduced the Self-Help Integrated Placement Service to assist over 600 disabled job seekers annually obtain the latest employment market information and improve their job-seeking techniques.

The programme has proved to be effective with an overall placement rate of about 70%.

Mr Cheung presented awards to 10 Enlightened Employers for their open-mindedness and for setting a good example to others.

Vacancies offered are wide-ranging, including kitchen helpers, cleaners, clerks, project assistants, technical officers, lift operators, car park assistants and couriers.

Apart from making special arrangements in work procedures and the working environment to help disabled employees, these employers also assigned experienced staff to help them adapt to their new workplace.