We will not accept poverty wages as a so-called solution for unemployed disabled workers

GMB, Britain’s general union, has welcomed an inquiry into the disability employment gap – but says the real barriers must be tackled.

The Work and Pensions Committee is to investigate the gap between the employment rates of disabled and non-disabled people and how the DWP can better support disabled people in the labour market.

Nell Andrews, GMB National Officer, said:

“GMB welcomes this move by the Government, but the committee needs to meaningfully examine tackling the very real barriers to disabled workers - including lack of reasonable adjustments, or having to fight for the same adjustments repeatedly.

“Any work by the committee must include solutions that do not focus only on low paid, zero hour or entry level work or solely on office-based roles. We will not accept poverty wages as a so-called solution for unemployed disabled workers.

“Disabled workers need better support and access to a range of high quality employment opportunities, across sectors, with their voices and lived experiences at the heart of any inquiry.

“GMB is calling for a universal reasonable adjustment passport system to avoid the burden on disabled workers having to fight for what is legally already their right and flexible working by design, from day one.”