Tackling the disability and employment gap
The disability employment gap is around 32% with less than half of disabled people in work - 48% - compared to 80% of their non-disabled peers.
VODG’s programme of work in this area is seeking to promote progressive approaches to employing disabled people to support closing the disability and employment gap.
Our report, Closing the disability and employment gap, outlines successful employment and training schemes delivered by VODG members. It includes recommendations for government, employers and care providers to boost employment for working-age disabled people. The recommendations in the report include:- Clarity from government on whether the new Work and Health Programme will include options like supported internships
- An increase in specific support for disabled workers, including specialist job advisors and in-work job coaches
- Making supported employment a locally delivered national priority as many schemes are closing due to public sector cuts
- A focus by employers on specialised recruitment and retention, such as accessible adverts and interview processes.
- Employing disabled workers in adult social care and health: a guide for employers has practical steps to help attract, recruit and develop disabled workers in social care organisations.
- Myths about employing disabled people show that disabled workers have lots of offer the social care and health sectors.