Disability and Employment Policy Paper

Published February 2022 

A policy paper discussing disability inclusion in the workplace with practical recommendations for government policies.

Despite economic growth and equality legislation, systemic continue to exclude people with disabilities from the workforce. This exclusion is not only unjust, it is a loss for society and the economy. Employment is key to independence, dignity and social inclusion.

The Disability and Employment Policy Paper, produced in partnership with Ibec and Employers for Change, makes the case for urgent reform and provides practical solutions to unlock opportunities.

Key Recommendations

• Rework outdated grants and supports (e.g. Wage Subsidy Scheme, Personal Reader Grant, Disability Awareness Training).
• Amalgamate employment supports into one accessible grant.
• Create an online portal for all disability supports, ensuring full accessibility.
• Shift responsibility from employers to jobseekers, empowering disabled candidates with supports ready in place.
• Expand personal assistant supports and make them available across all forms of employment.
• Increase the Subsidy Scheme and remove restrictive work-hour thresholds to allow more part-time opportunities.
• Introduce an Access Employment Programme with six-month subsidised placements to build pathways into long-term work.