Over seven million disabled people in the UK are being prevented from getting jobs or reaching their full potential by employers and recruitment providers who are imposing a ‘glass ceiling’ upon them according to a DWP Disability Steering Group.

Minister for Disabled People, Maria Miller said:

"Almost 50% of disabled people are out of work and those that are often work far below their potential. That is why I am urging employers to look hard at their recruitment and work practices to make sure they don’t miss out on the extensive talents of disabled people."

Key facts:

• Disabled people’s employment has gradually increased, from 40.9% at the end of 1998 to 46.8% at the end of 2010 but much more needs to be done.
• Disabled people make up 18% of the working-age population – that is over seven million people.
• Around 15% of people with learning disabilities are in paid work (Labour Force Survey).
• When compared to non-disabled men, disabled men have a pay gap of 11% and disabled women have a pay gap of 22%.
• Around 56% of disabled people compared with 26% of non-disabled people report restrictions on the amount or type of work they can do.
• Once in work disabled people are less likely to progress to senior roles. Non- disabled people are three times more likely to earn over £80,000.