We need drastic action from the UK government as TUC figures reveal widening pay gap for disabled workers

GMB, Britain's General union have called figures released by the TUC showing a widening pay gap a “wake up call”.

The analysis by the TUC, shows that pay gap has widened by £800 over the last year to £3,800 and that is expected to grow as Covid-19 economic crisis hits.

The figures also revealed that disabled women are paid on average around £6,700 less than non-disabled men and disabled workers worked around 60 days a year for free.

Nell Andrew, GMB National equality and inclusion officer said:

“The pay gap is widening and in real risk of becoming a chasm.

“Today's figures must be a wakeup call to the government. Their support for disabled workers throughout this crisis has been a nothing short of negligent.

“As the economy falls off a cliff, disabled workers face a double whammy of being more likely to be impacted by Covid-19 in the workplace, from a lack of reasonable adjustments, jobs cuts or sickness, to no real support or disability furlough package if they need to shield.

“The Government must work with Trade Unions to build a better package of support to bridge this gap or risk a two-tier workforce in the near future.”