17 Mar 2017

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.
The report strives to spark fresh dialogue between policy makers, disabled people, businesses and charities, providing a framework for supported people into work and health and employment support.Alongside this report VODG hosted a series of events to share good practice to inform the Government’s recent Green Paper consultation.VODG has worked with Skills for Care and sector partners to produce resources for the social care sector: