New analysis published by the TUC shows that disabled workers now earn a fifth (20%) less than non-disabled workers. The analysis found that the pay gap for disabled workers has widened to £3,800 per year – an increase of £800 over the last year for someone working a 35 hour week. Not only are disabled people paid less, they are also less likely to be in employment than their non-disabled peers. Many disabled people who want to work face a range of barriers to accessing employment, from a lack of transport to get to work or inadequate equipment or adjustments made once they are there. Only around half (53.7%) of disabled people are in work, compared to more than four-fifths (82%) of non-disabled people – a gap of 28 percentage points. The TUC also warns the disability pay and employment gaps will almost certainly increase again as the economic impact of Covid-19 hits. Studies show that in previous recessions disabled workers are the first to lose their jobs, and the last to be re-employed.
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