The Disability Pay Gap report, released by the ONS has revealed that the gap has widened since 2014. The report comes alongside the rise in economically inactive workers which currently stands at around 8.76 million – including many who are disabled.
Responding to the report, research from Reed.co.uk has found that two-thirds (66%) of disabled people say they research a company’s gender pay gap before applying for a job, compared to 21% of people without a disability. The study also found that one in ten (11%) respondents do not think any pay gaps, including gender, ethnicity, disability, and sexuality, exist at all in the UK.
“It is disappointing to see that the disability pay gap has widened since 2014,” commented Simon Wingate, managing director of reed.co.uk. “This widening discrepancy between disabled and non-disabled workers is especially concerning given that the rising cost-of-living crisis is putting pressure on people across all of society.
“It’s also concerning for employers facing challenges of their own in terms of recruitment amid widespread labour shortages,” he added. “Tackling the disability pay gap will be crucial to widening the talent pool, as our own research highlights how important pay parity is to minority groups.”
Wingate went on to say that as a Disability Confident employer, Reed.co.uk recognises how important it is to support employees who disclose that they have a disability and will always seek to make reasonable adjustments for prospective candidates. “Every individual’s needs will inevitably vary, and it’s important that employers understand this and make appropriate adjustments to support suitable candidates who have applied for a job with them,” said Wingate. “A fundamental way to attract prospective disabled workers is by being clear in job adverts that the organisation is an inclusive employer who values diversity and is willing to make reasonable adjustments to support candidates through the recruitment process and beyond. It is also helpful to be fully transparent about pay, flexibility, and benefits on job adverts as this will help employers attract a more diverse range of applicants to their role, and ultimately their business.”
