According to the Ministry of Jobs and Pensions, there are about 700,000 people with disabilities in the UK who want to work but don’t. People with disabilities also have jobs left behind by twice the rate of non-poor colleagues.
There is an ongoing “disability employment gap”, which is the difference in employment rates between people with disabilities and people with accessibility. Currently, the gap is 28%.
Recent government comments show that the gap is the biggest for men, older people aged 50 to 64, ineligible, and those living in social housing. Regionally, it is most noticeable in Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales and northern England.
People with disabilities are also more likely to hold part-time or low-skilled roles and are more likely to “unemployed”, looking for more time or different jobs.
Why this is important to employers
These numbers show a large number of people who want to work and can bring valuable skills. Expanding recruitment practices to encourage candidates with disabilities to not only do the right thing, but also benefit the business. It provides opportunities for high-quality applicants, improves employee retention and supports a wider variety of workforce.
Ask Open Now
The House of Commons Work and Pension Committee has investigated employment support for people with disabilities and how to improve their work prospects. It wants to listen directly to businesses, people with disabilities and experts to understand what functions and ineffectiveness. The submission will be open on September 29, 2025.
The questions raised by the Committee include:
- Why is the progress of ending the employment gap with disabilities slowing down?
- What barriers prevent people with disabilities from working or working more?
- Which support is best for people with disabilities?
- How efficient is the current solution (such as access work)?
- How successful is the Disability Confidence Program in Improving Employer Practice?
After reviewing the evidence, the committee will make recommendations to the government.
Support provided by employers
Getting a job is a grant that can help pay for adjustment costs to get someone started or continue working in a physical or mental health condition or disability. It can pay for:
- Professional equipment or auxiliary software
- Support workers
- Travel expenses if public transportation cannot be used
- Communication support during job interviews, such as BSL interpreter
- Mental Health Support Programs and One-to-One Meetings with Mental Health Professionals
For complete details on the qualifications and application process, visit the government website. It is important that the grant is given to the employee, not the employer, so the cost does not fall on your business. Learn more about accessing work plans here.
Disabled self-confidence
Disability Confidence is a voluntary program that helps employers challenge assumptions and improve their recruitment practices and improve their understanding of disability. It has three levels of membership and is designed to demonstrate a clear commitment to inclusive recruitment. For businesses, joining can bring reputation benefits, expand candidate pools, and show clients that your business is fair.
Payment gap and employment gap
It is worth noting that the disability employment gap (who starts working) is different from the disability pay gap (people make money once at work). The government recently released data on whether large employers should be asked to release data on disability and racial wage gaps. The consultation ended in June 2025 and the proposal remains to be announced. You can learn more in my previous post.
What can employers do now
- Review recruitment practices to ensure inclusive and equitable job advertising and processes.
- Consider visiting work. It can help remove the cost barriers to hiring people with disabilities.
- Consider registering for disability confidence to show commitment.
- Please note the committee’s investigation, as the findings may shape future policies.
