700,000 disabled people want to work: How can businesses help and benefit at the same time?

"There are around 700,000 disabled people in the UK who want to work but are not in employment, according to the Department for Work and Pensions. Disabled people also leave jobs at twice the rate of non-disabled colleagues. There is a persistent "disability employment gap", which is the difference in employment rates between disabled and non-disabled people. Right now, the gap stands at 28%."

"A recent government review revealed that the gap is widest for men, older people aged 50 to 64, people with no qualifications, and those living in social housing. Regionally, it is most marked in Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and the north of England. Disabled people are also more likely to be in part-time or lower-skilled roles, and more likely to be "under-employed", looking for more hours or a different job."

"The figures show a large pool of people who want to work and who could bring valuable skills. Widening recruitment practices to encourage candidates with disabilities is not only the right thing to do, but also beneficial for business. It opens up access to high-quality applicants, improves staff retention, and supports a more diverse workforce. The House of Commons Work and Pensions Committee has launched an inquiry into employment support for disabled people and how to improve their job prospects."

There are around 700,000 disabled people in the UK who want to work but are not in employment. Disabled people leave jobs at twice the rate of non-disabled colleagues. The disability employment gap, the difference in employment rates between disabled and non-disabled people, stands at 28%. The gap is widest for men, people aged 50 to 64, those with no qualifications, and residents of social housing. Regionally, the gap is most marked in Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and the north of England. Disabled people are more likely to be in part-time or lower-skilled roles and to be under-employed. Employers widening recruitment to disabled candidates can access high-quality applicants, improve retention, and diversify workforces. The House of Commons Work and Pensions Committee has opened an inquiry with submissions accepted until 29 September 2025, asking about barriers, effective support, and scheme performance.

Read at Business Matters