Disability in the Workplace

Why is Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) in the workplace important? There is a persistent disability employment gap in the UK. Data shows only half of people with disabilities are in employment compared with more than 80% of non-disabled people. Yet CMI's research found only 22% of those who recognised this gap said their organisation was taking steps to increase representation of people living with disabilities.

The Workplace in Review: Disability

We need tangible actions to overcome the barriers that prevent individuals with disabilities from participating in the economy. What more can employers and managers do to utilise all the talent available in our workforce?

The key to inclusive leadership is to learn from lived experiences of disability in the workplace. In this documentary, participants share their real testimonials on making necessary adjustments to create accessible workplaces.

Disability Discussion Paper

Disability in the Workplace

Disabled people face clear barriers to success in work.

  • Disabled people have lower employment rates
  • Disabled people are less likely to work as managers, directors and senior officials or in professional occupations than non-disabled people
  • Disabled people also continue to face a higher risk of being long-term unemployed which can reduce employability as it impacts on skills and knowledge
  • When in employment, there is a clear pay gap between disabled and non-disabled employees.

In our discussion paper, Disability in the Workplace, we take a look at the findings from our research and the steps managers and leaders can take to create truly inclusive workplaces.

Read the discussion paper

Learn more about workplace accessibility

17 entries found
Topic: Equality and Diversity

“Disability is something done to people, not a condition that people have”

A new CMI documentary explores how managers can (and must) reframe their mindset around disability

Read article
Topic: Disability

Trust: the golden thread to disability inclusion at work

Acas found disability discrimination is the most commonly cited protected characteristic in the employment tribunal claims.

Read article
Topic: Equality and Diversity

The Everyone Economy

CMI’s plan for sharing work opportunity and success

Read article
Topic: Equality and Diversity

“Disability is a Cinderella – a poor relative of EDI”

Lord Shinkwin discusses living with a disability, and managers’ role in making work easier for disabled people

Read article

How CMI can help

Managing Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (Level 5)

This CMI qualification is designed for practising middle managers and leaders. It aims to enable understanding of the business case for equality, diversity and inclusion and the role of managers in creating inclusive cultures.

Find out more

Community and Regional Networks

Have your voice heard on important matters like workplace inclusivity through CMI’s community networks. These are made up of passionate individuals who come together to advocate for real change in their organisations and industries.

Get involved with the Community