Sharp employers are helping people with disabilities, injuries or illnesses get back into work.

Specialist employment service Workbridge is helping up to 4000 people into jobs each year.

Workbridge is governed by people who themselves have disabilities, and is all about showing that people with disabilities have the same value as everyone else.

Its services come at no cost to employers, or jobseekers, who are matched with work they can manage.

Many have been out of work for some time, but have plenty to offer - and are developing reputations for being hard workers.

Among those to benefit is Aaron Heather, 20, who had been unemployed for six months when he went to Workbridge.

He is now working as sales assistant at Repco in Takanini. It's predominantly phone-based, which means his spina bifida isn't a factor.

"This role has given me a more positive outlook on life and I get treated the same as any other employee," he says.

According to Workbridge chief executive Grant Cleland, employers who hire one person are coming back for more staff.

"And I think now also recognise that, actually, we have access to a hidden talent pool, that they may not have considered before."

Cleland believes the agency is breaking down attitudes.

"A lot of workplaces are now recognising that the people we place have got lots of skills, which is great."

The organisation has just opened a new Auckland hub in Ellerslie and hopes this will raise its profile. It also has a interview and board room space for staff and employers to use.

Cleland says any employers with jobs to fill are welcome to get in touch, which they can do at workbridge.co.nz or via 09 302 2836.