More than a third of UK workers believe disability is still a barrier to career progression, despite anti-discrimination legislation.
In a study commissioned by PMI Health Group, it was found that 37% of respondents think that disability hinders careers. Nearly one in five (17%) also claimed that employers fail to make adequate provisions for their own, or their colleagues’ disabilities.
Mike Blake, director at PMI Health Group said: “Companies have a legal duty to make reasonable adjustments, where necessary, to ensure employees with disabilities are not disadvantaged in the workplace.
“In light of these findings, it would be advisable for businesses to ensure they are not falling foul of this legislation. Deploying pre-placement questionnaires that are reviewed by an occupational health professional gives employers the information they need to make reasonable adjustments from the outset.”
According the Office of National Statistics, the difference in employment rates between disabled and non-disabled people currently stands at 33%. This figure is currently under inquiry by the Department for Work and Pensions.
Recently released figures by CIPD revealed that despite disabled people scoring highly in key traits such as their attitude to work, bringing new and innovative ideas and an ability to develop, only 11% of companies actively recruit disabled applicants.
Blake commented: “Health and wellbeing initiatives, including the services available through group income protection and employee assistance programmes can help in establishing a more disability-friendly workplace so companies can attract and retain skilled staff from this important demographic.”