Disabled people represent one-fifth of the working age population, but are far more likely to be out of work and to lack skills than the population as a whole. Improving skills and employment for disabled people matters not just for equality, but also for national prosperity and delivering world-class skills and employment.
This paper finds that improving the employment rate of disabled people to the UK average would boost the UK economy by £13 billion, equivalent to six months economic growth. To achieve this, the paper proposes:
- A new national commitment to closing the skills gap of disabled people
- Improved support for employers, but a clear commitment to government action if progress falls short; and
- A new culture of expectation and aspiration of and for disabled people.
This paper is kindly supported by the Disability Rights Commission.
Download The Report: PDF