There has been a significant increase in the number of employers who report on the proportion of their staff with disabilities, according to research from Grid.
In 2023, only half (50%) of employers said that they collect information on the proportion of disabled people in their workforce, but this has risen to 71% in 2024, an increase of 21 percentage points on 2023.
Grid said the year-on-year increase was “remarkable,” and that it was pleased that more employers are getting a better understanding of the number of people who are affected by disabilities for whom they have a duty of care – especially when government data point towards more disabled people being employed overall.
Employer research was undertaken by Opinium from 7-15 January 2025 among 500 HR decision-makers at UK businesses, while employee research was undertaken by Opinium from 7-10 January 2025 among 1,250 employed adults.
According to the Office of National Statistics (ONS), there are currently 5.67 million people with disabilities in the workplace (July to September 2024, data released 12 November 2024) which is an increase on the same period in 2023 when 5.32 million disabled people were employed.
Grid said that while the previous government’s 2017 target of getting one million more disabled people into employment by 2027 appears to have been met, it also disguises the increase in the total number of disabled people of working age and an increase in the number of people with disabilities who are currently unemployed.
Grid said that collecting disability data itself is not the end game, and that it must be put to good use for an organisation and its employees to see the benefit.
Of those businesses that do currently collect information on the proportion of people with disabilities in their workforce, Grid’s research shows:
- 60% do so to inform diversity and inclusion (D&I) practices and initiatives
- 57% do so to inform talent management practice
- 52% do so to track progress made on their D&I initiatives
- 46% do so to shape recruitment practice
Employee benefits support
Grid said group risk benefits (employer-sponsored life assurance, income protection and critical illness) can be key in providing the depth and breadth of support required for disabled employees, as they can provide help in key areas of employees’ lives including their physical, financial and mental health.
It also said that as well as supporting employees, there is much help embedded for the employer too, such as legal and HR helplines to help them understand what adjustments their staff may need.
Katharine Moxham, spokesperson for Grid (pictured), said: “Improving employment practices for disabled people is important as that shapes an organisation’s approach, but employers must ensure they respond to the individual needs of both current and future employees.
“As it’s not mandatory for employees to report a disability to their employer, disability data is likely to underreport the numbers affected.
“However, if comprehensive support is put in place, it can be accessed by everyone whether they are able-bodied, have visible disabilities, or a non-apparent disability, whether they are newly disabled or have been living with a disability for a long time.”
Moxham said: “It’s anticipated that large employers’ staff will soon be expected to report on their disability pay gap but this could be a big step for some if they don’t report on any employee disability data at present.
“We’d suggest that all employers start collecting disability data to inform their current practices better, support staff with existing needs, and to put themselves in a good position should new legislation be confirmed.”
