Sense, a national disability charity, has released a new report shedding light on the challenges faced by disabled individuals in their pursuit of employment. The study emphasizes the insufficient support and resources available to disabled job seekers across the United Kingdom, exposing a system that falls short of meeting their needs.
Sense’s employment report focuses on the experiences of individuals living with complex disabilities, revealing a disheartening reality: a staggering 82 percent of people with complex disabilities remain unemployed. In addition, recent research indicates that half of them (50 percent) feel unsupported in their quest for work.
An important finding of the report brings attention to the lack of specialized assistive technology in jobcentres nationwide, making it more arduous for individuals reliant on such tools to search and apply for jobs on-site.
Assistive technology
Assistive technology encompasses a range of devices and software, such as screen readers for text-to-speech conversion, dictation software, and braille displays, which enable disabled individuals, including those with visual and hearing impairments, to use computers effectively.
However, acquiring such technology can be prohibitively expensive, and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) only funds these resources once an individual secures employment. Consequently, job seekers often find themselves unable to afford the necessary technology, leaving them reliant on external services to aid in their job search.
Presently, jobcentres provide computers equipped with Microsoft’s “standard accessibility features” alone, an insubstantial provision according to Sense. The charity is urging the government to implement a “Jobcentre Assistive Technology Fund,” which would finance specialist assistive technology in jobcentres.
Meaningful change
This seemingly modest change could have a significant impact. In fact, nearly a third (31 percent) of jobseekers with complex disabilities expressed that this improvement would enhance their ability to find employment.
The report also highlights additional shortcomings in the current system. Work Coaches, who serve as the primary point of contact for jobseekers at jobcentres, are responsible for supporting individuals in their job search, helping them identify their skills and strengths, and providing assistance with applications and interview preparation.
However, over half (54 percent) of jobseekers with complex disabilities expressed a lack of support from their Work Coaches, and fewer than a quarter (23 percent) reported receiving one-on-one support during their visits.
This comes as no surprise, as the report reveals that the initial training provided to Work Coaches does not include disability equality training focused on assisting disabled jobseekers. Sense emphasizes the importance of equipping all frontline job center staff with appropriate training to effectively support disabled individuals in their pursuit of employment.
Bridging the gap
The ambition to bridge the disability employment gap and facilitate greater workforce participation among individuals with complex disabilities requires a critical examination of the initial hurdle they encounter—the job search process.
While the Spring Budget unveiled the government’s commitment to this cause, the efficacy of its efforts hinges on the provision of comprehensive support. Jobcentres serve as the government’s frontline tool for aiding individuals in their pursuit of employment, yet they currently lack the necessary equipment and training to fulfill this crucial role.
To truly make a transformative impact, it is imperative to introduce assistive technology and offer specialized training to all frontline job center staff. This approach would enable them to effectively support individuals with intricate needs, thereby paving the way for tangible progress. Despite the associated costs, the value derived from such investments far outweighs the financial implications.
No better
The report also sheds light on the experiences and obstacles encountered by disabled individuals once they secure employment. Startlingly, 15 percent of individuals with complex disabilities currently employed feel that their employers do not fully comprehend the nuances of their disabilities. Additionally, 44 percent of these individuals have encountered instances of harassment or bullying in the workplace, underscoring the need for heightened awareness and support.
Another disconcerting finding reveals that only a mere 25 percent of individuals with complex disabilities have had the opportunity to engage in work experience or voluntary work. This limitation deprives them of valuable avenues for personal and professional growth, exacerbating the challenges they face in their career progression.
Addressing these issues demands a comprehensive approach that encompasses not only facilitating the job search process but also nurturing an inclusive work environment. By providing the necessary support mechanisms and encouraging meaningful opportunities for skill development, employers can tap into the untapped potential of disabled individuals and foster a more inclusive and productive workforce.
