More than a fifth of employers say they would be less likely to employ someone if they have a disability, research commissioned by the Leonard Cheshire Disability charity has found. The shocking findings of a nationally representative survey of UK employers starkly reveal the serious discrimination and stereotypical views faced by disabled people when they try to get and stay in jobs.
By the age of 26 disabled people are four times more likely to be out of work or not in education, compared to non-disabled peers.
Of those line managers who are less likely to employ a disabled person, almost 3 in 4 (73%) would be concerned they would struggle to do the job. Six in 10 (60%) of line managers say the costs of workplace adjustments are a barrier to employing a disabled person. This is despite Government funding being available.
Leonard Cheshire Disability say personal experiences of job hunters underlines why an honest conversation with employers about their reasons for not employing disabled people is needed, so they take real action that makes a difference.
Daniel Biddle, 38, who now lives in Abergavenny, had his life turned upside down when he became a victim of the July 2005 London bombings. He spent a year in hospital and was one of the most seriously injured survivors – losing both legs, an eye and becoming deaf in one ear as a result of the attack.
The construction specialist retrained as a surveyor and in 2014, after struggling to find work, set up a consultancy on accessible building projects.
“I’d applied for jobs left, right and centre,” he said. “One year I applied for around 50 different jobs and heard every excuse under the sun. Once they knew about my disability, I heard things like ‘You’re over-qualified’, or ‘You would get bored’. Up until then I’d been a perfect candidate.
“I’m not looking for special treatment, just a level playing field. People in companies don’t set out to discriminate but there are so many myths about disabled people that are accepted and need to be dispelled.”
Hannah, 26, has cerebral palsy and a BA Honours in Digital Media, in which she specialised in broadcasting. In job applications since graduating she has encountered problems such as employers not understanding relocation as an issue for disabled people, or in some cases inaccessible interview locations.
“There’s a different reason every time I’ve been unsuccessful, but I do feel disability discrimination has been a factor,” she said. “Employers need to recognise that every disabled person has different needs and would be effective employees if the right equipment and support is in place from the start”.
Even if disabled people are able to secure employment, lack of inclusive workplaces means they are often forced to leave jobs. Research for Leonard Cheshire Disability in 2016 showed 1 in 10 of those who reported quitting due to their disability said they did so because physical adjustments were not made or requests for flexible working were turned down.
Official Government figures show that more disabled people currently leave the workforce than enter it.
The Government’s Access to Work scheme can help fund adaptations or any equipment such as assistive technology so that disabled people can thrive in workplaces but there was widespread ignorance among employers of this funding. Only 2 in 5 employers say they have heard of the scheme in the latest research.
Leonard Cheshire’s Untapped Talent campaign is calling on the government and employers to recognise the huge potential and benefits that disabled people bring to the workplace. It wants greater promotion and funding of schemes that can help and for more employers to work with them.
Neil Heslop, Leonard Cheshire Disability CEO, said: “Employers of all sizes have a huge role to play in closing the disability employment gap. Sadly, too many still seem to have the wrong idea about taking on disabled people.
“Disabled people can face barrier after barrier in getting a job as a result of attitudes that have no basis.
“We work with some of the biggest companies in the country. Given the chance and the right support we know disabled people flourish, making huge contributions to the success of companies and the UK economy as a whole.
“We will continue to work with employers to help them create inclusive and supportive workplaces that benefit everyone.”
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