One in five working adults in the UK is disabled, but there is a significant employment gap between disabled and non-disabled individuals. Only around 50% of disabled people are currently employed, compared to 81% of non-disabled people. Additionally, new research shows a 14.6% pay difference between disabled and non-disabled workers, with disabled workers earning on average £3,460 less per year. To address these challenges, employers must understand their legal obligations and make necessary adjustments to support disabled employees.
Breaking Down Employment Barriers
The Trade Union Congress has highlighted the need to close the employment gap and reduce the pay difference between disabled and non-disabled workers. Employers have a legal duty to make reasonable adjustments for employees with disabilities, and paying an employee less because of their disability is likely to be discriminatory. By examining their organizations and providing the necessary support, employers can help disabled employees progress in their careers.
Minister for Disabled People, Tom Pursglove, emphasizes the importance of supporting disabled individuals in the workforce. He encourages businesses to join the Disability Confident scheme, which helps employers recruit talented disabled individuals.
Tips for Employers
Sandi Wassmer, the UK's only blind female CEO, offers advice on supporting disabled staff and closing the employment gap. Her top tips for employers include:
- See the ability, not the disability: Recognize the diverse skills, knowledge, and creativity that disabled individuals bring to the table.
- A disability isn't a negative thing: Consider the strengths of neurodiverse individuals and the unique problem-solving abilities they possess.
- Access a wider talent pool: Reducing the disability gap allows employers to tap into a larger pool of talented individuals.
- Reasonable adjustments are often simple and inexpensive: 80% of disabled employees do not require any accommodations, and for those who do, the average cost is £80.
- Check unconscious biases: Attitudes and perceptions of disabled individuals can be a significant barrier. It's essential to examine and challenge these biases.
- Remember that disabled people are just people: Treat disabled individuals with the same respect and consideration as anyone else.
Advice for Job Seekers
Rebecca Owen, senior operations manager at the DWP, provides guidance for disabled individuals searching for employment. Her tips include:
- Focus on what you can do: With support and reasonable adjustments, there is a job out there for you.
- Complete the Health Adjustment Passport: This tool helps identify the additional support needed and aids conversations with employers about reasonable adjustments.
- Take it slow and steady: Building confidence through voluntary work and work trials can be beneficial.
- Don't be afraid to try something new: Skills from one job can often be transferred to another role.
- Communicate your needs to potential employers: Utilize support resources available through the employee health and disability page on gov.uk.
- Lobby for your company to become a Disability Confident employer: This initiative promotes inclusivity and support for disabled individuals.
Government Support for Disabled Students
The UK government has introduced an Adjustment Planner to assist disabled students transitioning into work. This planner gathers relevant information about each student's needs, which can then be shared with employers. This initiative aims to streamline the process and eliminate the need for repeated assessments.
Tapping into Untapped Talent
The Page Group, a recruitment agency, has an internal employee network dedicated to supporting staff and clients with disabilities. Bolu Faseun, senior diversity, equality, and inclusivity manager, highlights the benefits of enhancing inclusivity in organizations. By tapping into the talent pool of disabled individuals, companies can gain access to individuals with unique skills and robust management abilities.
To learn more about the Page Group's efforts to promote inclusivity, visit tinyurl.com/yckd8nfz.
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