Information for Employers

The Facts

Why Disability?

Disability is simply an issue that, in one-way or another, affects us all.

• It is estimated that nearly 1 in 4 households are affected by disability.
• There are an estimated 9.6 million people in the UK who would be defined as disabled under the disability discrimination act. This is over 15% of the UK population.
• There are approximately 5 million Disabled People of working age in the UK, nearly half of whom are out of work and on Benefits.
• 1 million Disabled People out of work and on Benefits want to work.
• The cost of Incapacity and Disability related benefits are over £19 billion p.a. (employer's forum on disability)
• Disabled People are 5 times as likely to be unemployed and on benefits than non disabled people

As you can see, Disability is an issue that affects everyone. Working to open our businesses, services and attitudes to include Disabled People, is working to include our friends, family and colleagues.

See the Employer's Forum on Disability website for more stats and information.

Why employ a Disabled Person?

• Disabled People are as reliable and productive as other staff
• Disabled employees often have better attendance records, less time off sick and greater employer loyalty
• Most adjustments disabled People require at work are inexpensive or free. Government funding is available to cover the majority of costs: see Access to Work
• Many companies report that employing disabled people boosts their colleague's morale and improves their company's image
• Retaining staff who become disabled keeps valuable knowledge, skills and experience in the company and avoids recruitment and training costs.
• Falling foul of the DDA can result in costly fines set by a tribunal and damaging negative publicity

These are just some of the business benefits of employing disabled people. More comprehensive information can be found on:Employers Forum on Disability: Business case for employing disabled people

Order a free short film on CVD exploring some of the benefits of employing Disabled People

What is a disability?

The Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (DDA) protects the rights of disabled people and defines a Disabled Person as:

"A person with a physical or mental impairment which has a substantial and long term adverse effect on their ability to carry out normal day to day activities."

This means that to be disabled someone has to have a health difficulty which is:

• Substantial (not minor or trivial)
• Long term (likely to last 12 months or longer)
• Has an adverse effect on day to day activities

This can include the effects of many conditions and illnesses, some of which may be obvious, some which may not. For more information on definition see the DDA employment code of practice.

Myths about Disabled People

"Disabled People use wheelchairs"

There are many conditions that can cause disability. Less than 8% of disabled people use wheelchairs (Employer's Forum). Many disabled people don't look any different from anyone else.

"Disabled People can only so simple jobs"

some Learning disabled people do find it difficult to do complex tasks. However, most disabled people have a wide range of abilities just like anyone else and are capable of jobs ranging from the very demanding to the much less so. For example, 3 Cabinet members are disabled! (David Blunkett, Gordon Brown and Jack Straw)

"Disabled People can't work here - its too dangerous"

Disabled people, like any other employees, have a wide range of skills and abilities, suitable for different and varied roles. All employees should be risk assessed for their roles and given appropriate training to make sure they are able to do those roles safely, whether disabled or not.

"It is too expensive to employ disabled people"

Many of the reasonable adjustments that allow disabled people to be included in work are often free or inexpensive, simple and actually benefit all staff. Adjustments that do have cost implications are very likely to qualify for "Access to Work" funding, which will in many cases meet all of the costs. Click here for more information on Access to Work.

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