The latest official figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show that the UK Government has reached its goal to see one million more disabled people in work.
ONS data released this week indicates that over one million more disabled people are in employment compared to five years ago, confirming the UK Government has achieved a key ambition in its efforts to improve the lives of disabled people across the country.
The latest figures show there are 4.8 million disabled people currently in employment, an increase of 1.3 million since 2017, delivering on a UK Government goal to see one million more in work by 2027.
The 10-year employment goal was a UK 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.
Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work Chloe Smith MP said: “This is an important milestone showing our commitment to supporting disabled people to lead independent lives and reach their full potential.
“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 UK 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.
Ford, Sainsbury’s, Hilton and Coca-Cola are among the thousands of organisations across the UK 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 into employment will also be an important theme within the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Health and Disability White Paper, which is due to be published later this summer, and it will outline further detail about how the £1.3 billion investment will be spent.
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