Practical information for managers

Illustration of a person holding freshly harvested cabbage.

Practical information for managers about hiring disabled employees

Directorate of Labor

The Directorate of Labor offers advice for those with reduced work capacity, including disabled people and other job seekers. The services provided are twofold and tailored to the individual’s support needs. The services include specialized consultation and job search support, as well as supported employment (AMS), which helps with job searching, on-the-job support and follow-up.

You can also enter into an agreement with the Directorate of Labor to hire a job seeker who qualifies for unemployment insurance benefits to work on special temporary focused initiative projects that exceed the standard legal and operational scope of the company, institution or organization.

Employment with Support (AMS)

Employment with Support is an effective way to assist those needing help to secure jobs in the general labor market. Employment with Support provides extensive assistance to those with reduced working abilities due to mental and/or physical disabilities.

Help is provided to find the right job and support is given at the new workplace.

Support AMS provides to the workplace

Emphasis is placed on good cooperation with employers. AMS helps build connections at the workplace and develops a support network there. Support is provided as long as needed, then it is systematically reduced. However, the employer and the employee continue to have access to a counselor as needed. AMS oversees the work contracts of disabled people.

Disabled Person’s Work Contract

The Disabled Person’s Work Contract is a reimbursement agreement for employers who have employed staff with reduced work capacity.

The goal and role of the Disabled Person’s Work Contract is to enhance the opportunities for job seekers with reduced work capacity to secure employment in the general labor market.

Hiring with Disabled Person’s Work Contracts at Reykjavík City workplaces

Here's how the process works:

  1. The workplace wants to hire an employee with occupational disability.
  2. Contact the Directorate of Labor or Reykjavík's Human Resources and Work Environment Department (mannaudur@reykjavik.is) if you're planning to hire someone with occupational disability.
  3. Fills out information for the work contract and include the Department of Human Resources & Work Environments employee in the email cc
  4. The Department of Human Resources & Work Environments approves the contract in the portal
  5. The reimbursement process begins
  6. Payments to the workplace are made quarterly

It is important that all payroll items are included in the work contract upon application:

  • Overtime, surcharges, breaks, grants, etc.
Illustration of a mountaintop

Contact us

Contact the Human Resources and Work Environment Department about hiring disabled employees:

National Center for Vision and Sensory Impairment

The National Center for Vision and Sensory Impairment (Sjónstöðin) is a resource and service center for blind, visually impaired and deafblind individuals.

The center provides consultation to workplaces, residential cores, social services and other organizations that serve visually impaired and blind individuals. All consultation is tailored to the individual and in consultation with the individual.

Transportation Services for Disabled People

 

Disabled individuals who cannot make use of public transport or their own vehicle may be eligible for driving services. The goal of the service is for people to be able to get around when they want to.

Pant is responsible for driving services for disabled people.

Recreation

Consultative group on disability matters in Reykjavík

You can contact the consultation group for guidance on providing services to disabled people or when accessibility improvements are needed for employees or service users.

When Reykjavík City's Human Rights Council discusses matters concerning disabled people, the following representatives also serve on the council on behalf of the consultation group: The ÖBÍ rights organization, Þroskahjálp (two representatives), and the NPA center.

Illustration of five people chatting.

Rights Protection Officers for Disabled Persons in Reykjavík

Open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays. You can leave a message outside those hours. You can also send an email.