UK Disability Employment

According to the World Bank, "The goal of employment policy for disabled people is full inclusion in the general labor market.  Achieving that goal requires efforts in training and education, vocational rehabilitation, accessible transport, and the right to accommodations in the workplace.  These accommodations include accessible work stations, job restructuring, and special equipment or assistive devices."

The UK Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (DDA) is the main piece of legislation which makes it unlawful to discriminate against a disabled person in their terms of employment, promotion opportunities, by dismissing them or by subjecting them to any other detriment. All employers have to comply with this Act. The DDA defines disability for the purposes of the Act: 'There must be a mental or physical condition which has a substantial and long-term adverse affect on the employee's ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities. Long-term means that the condition must last, or be likely to last, for more than 12 months.

UK Disability Employment Statistics:

Nearly one in five people of working age (6.9 million, or 19%) in Great Britain are disabled.

Disabled people are more than twice as likely as non-disabled people to have no qualifications (26% as opposed to 10%)

World Health Organisation (WHO) predict that by 2020, depression will be the most common form of disability.

Only about half of disabled people of working age are in work (50%), compared with 80% of non disabled people of working age.

There are currently 1.2 million disabled people in the UK who are available for and want to work.

The average gross hourly pay for disabled employees is £10.31 compared to £11.39 for non disabled employees.

Mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety, now account for more Incapacity Benefit claims than back pain.

90% of people moving on to Incapacity Benefit expect to get work; after 12 months 40% would still be unemployed - with just a 20% chance of finding work within the next five years

In the UK Directgov offers disabled people information on a wide range of topics including independent living, financial support, health and social services, employment and travel.

Further Information Regarding UK Disability Employment

Employment Law: Dismissals For Incapability
Contrary to popular belief 'ill health' is a potentially fair reason for dismissal since it relates to the employee's capability to perform the work that they were employed to do. However, in the context of incapability dismissals, the Employment Tribunal will scrutinize the procedures followed by the employer prior to termination.

Shaw Trust Helping the Disabled Find Work in the UK
The Shaw Trust is a charity in the UK for helping disabled and disadvantaged people into employment and independent living. It was formed in the village of Shaw in Wiltshire in 1981. It now employs around 1100 people, and works with around 50,000 clients a year.