Hays: It’s time for change: Why disability shouldn’t be a barrier to accessing the world of work
Did you know that disabled people are almost TWICE as likely to be unemployed as non-disabled people, despite often being completely capable of delivering the same quality of work? In fact, the employment rate of those with disabilities just 53% – a shocking statistic, when you consider that the employment rate of is able-bodied people is 82%. But why is this?
There are many reasons why those with disabilities or a long-term health condition aren’t employed as frequently as those without. While sometimes it might genuinely be that their conditions limit them from being able to work, it’s often the case that the workplace simply isn’t accommodating of their needs, or that our societal views of what these individuals are capable of are simply incorrect – both of which need to change.
In fact, times are changing: earlier this year, the Department for Work and Pensions published a report that set out government proposals to help those with a disability or long-term condition access fulfilling work. Here, we’re focusing on some of the limitations that individuals can face, while helping organisations to accommodate them.
Not only is it the right thing to do from a moral standpoint, but as the skills-shortage crisis continues across almost all sectors, ensuring workplaces are welcoming to all demographics means that employers are far more likely to be able to get access to much-needed staff.
So, what can be done to make the workplace more inclusive?