One Million More Disabled People Now in Work, Yet Disability Employment Gap Remains

Over one million more disabled people are now in employment in the UK, compared to five years ago, according to the latest ONS (Office for National Statistics) data.

The UK government has achieved a key ambition in its efforts to get a million more people with disabilities employed, five years ahead of its set target date. The latest figures show the number of disabled people in employment has increased by 1.3 million since 2017; delivering on a government goal to see one million more in work by 2027. The 10-year employment goal was a government manifesto commitment originally set in 2017 to break down barriers for disabled people and those with health conditions; and to build more diverse and inclusive workforces.

The UK’s Business Disability Forum applauds the Government’s achievement of getting one million disabled people into work. However, it believes that more needs to be done to close the disability employment gap.

“It is great to see the Government’s ambition of one million disabled people in work being achieved well in advance of the 2027 target. Employing disabled people is not only the right thing to do, but good for business too. We know that diverse teams which include people with the widest range of lived experiences bring better decision making, problem solving, creativity and innovation; which ultimately results in better products and services which meet the needs of all customers,” stated Diane Lightfoot, CEO of Business Disability Forum.

DISABILITY EMPLOYMENT GAP

 “It is very important, however, that we do not conflate this achievement with a narrowing of the Disability Employment Gap. Reaching this milestone is an achievement. But we need to dig into the figures to understand how many of the one million are new or returning entrants to the job market vs how many represent disabled people who have remained in work; thanks to better interventions and support or who now feel able to identify as disabled in the workplace, perhaps for the first time,” highlighted Lightfoot.

All these things are very positive and “one of Business Disability Forum’s central messages is around the importance of creating a culture where people feel able to bring their whole selves to work; to be open about disabilities and long-term conditions and to ask for the support that they need. That these cultures are being created, or worked towards, is in itself cause for celebration”, she added.

It does not however, “remove the urgent need to narrow and ultimately close the disability employment gap,” explained Lightfoot. “So alongside cultural change, we urge the Government to set new and ambitious targets, which consider the experiences of disabled people in the workplace; and details of how they will work with employers across all sectors to achieve these. Disabled people represent a huge and untapped talent pool. With skills shortages in many sectors, there has never been a greater imperative for business to access this available talent.”

OPPORTUNITIES FOR DISABLED JOBSEEKERS

Recognising that more can be done, the Minister for Disabled People will today (18 May) open a Disability Confident jobs fair; at Hillman Street Job centre in Hackney, East London. The event is designed to give jobseekers with disabilities the chance to meet local employers, support groups and work coaches to help them access work and training opportunities that meet their career goals.

“This is an important milestone showing our commitment to supporting disabled people to lead independent lives; and reach their full potential,” stated the Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work Chloe Smith MP. “Ensuring everyone has the same opportunity for a fulfilling working life is a key part of levelling up the country; and we will continue to push for greater accessibility and inclusion for disabled jobseekers.”

There are a range of government initiatives, including schemes in partnership with the health system; to support those with disabilities and health conditions to live independent lives and to start, stay and succeed in employment. One of these, the Disability Confident scheme, helps employers create more accessible and diverse workforces by championing inclusive recruitment practices. The scheme, which covers 11 million paid workers, helps employers think differently about disability; and improve how they attract, recruit and retain disabled workers.

EMPLOYMENT SUPPORT FOR DISABLED PEOPLE

Ford, Sainsbury’s, Hilton and Coca-Cola are among the organisations across the UK that have signed up to the scheme; aimed at boosting the number of disabled people in work. Over the next three years, the UK government will invest £1.3 billion in employment support for disabled people; and people with health conditions. This money will go toward building up existing provision, including expanding employment support; to grow the economy and help people with the cost of living.

Support in employment will also be an important theme within the DWP’s Health and Disability White Paper; which is due to be published later this summer. It will also outline further details about how the £1.3 billion investment will be spent.

It’s time for leaders to prioritise disability inclusion in their diversity, equity and inclusion strategies. Click here to find out why.