COMPANIES and public sector organisations have earned recognition for their disabled-friendly policies.

Forty businesses and other groups, from across the North-East, received Positive About Disabled People Two-ticks awards, in a presentation at Durham County Cricket Club's Riverside ground, Chester-le-Street, yesterday.

It allows the recipients to display the disability symbol and use it in job adverts, showing potential employees that the company is seeking to create a diverse workforce.

The accreditation also provides existing employees with reassurance that they are valued and will receive fair treatment if they become disabled.

Among those represented at the presentation were public transport provider Nexus, which runs the Tyne and Wear Metro network, and primary care trusts serving all of County Durham, plus Hartlepool and Middlesbrough.

Neal Knutsen, Durham district disability advisor manager for Jobcentre-Plus, congratulated the county's six primary care trusts for their achievements in receiving the accolade.

"We recognise the hard work and commitment each organisation has given to the employment and retention of disabled people," said Mr Knutsen.

The Disability Symbol has been in use since 1993 and, during that time, 450 North-East employers and 3,700 nationally have received the award.

During yesterday's event, employers were reminded of their responsibilities under the provisions of the Disability Discrimination Act, which comes into force in less than a year.