A new report from the University of Sheffield has revealed the parts of Great Britain where disabled people are least likely to find work compared with non-disabled people. The study highlights striking differences across the country, exposing how geography shapes job prospects for disabled workers.
Researchers from the university’s School of Economics looked at the Disability Employment Gap (DEG)—the difference in employment rates between disabled and non-disabled people. North Lanarkshire topped the list for having the largest gap, followed by East Ayrshire & North Ayrshire mainland, Bridgend & Neath Port Talbot, Dumfries & Galloway, and Durham. Meanwhile, Buckinghamshire had the smallest gap, offering disabled workers the best job prospects.
A broader pattern
These findings reflect a broader pattern in Britain, one of the most economically unequal countries in the developed world. While parts of the south thrive, other regions, often called “left-behind” areas, struggle to create opportunities. Disabled people in these struggling areas are particularly disadvantaged, often pushed to the back of the “job queue” when there aren’t enough roles to go around.
The study found that areas with strong knowledge-based industries—such as IT, finance, and education—and plenty of entry-level jobs in cleaning or hospitality had the smallest employment gaps. However, differences in healthcare, social institutions, or local policies for disabled workers made little impact.
The report’s authors suggest that bringing high-value industries to “left-behind” areas could help disabled workers by boosting the local economy. Yet, they warn that investment alone isn’t enough.
Investment isn’t enough
“Even if all areas had similar economic strengths, the gap would still vary widely,” the authors wrote. “This shows the need for local solutions, like tailored plans to tackle the specific barriers disabled people face in getting jobs.”
The report calls for strategies that combine investment in industries with targeted programs to address local challenges. Only then, it argues, will Britain be able to narrow the employment gap and create fairer opportunities for disabled workers.
