Employers urged to break disability glass ceiling

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.