Views on voluntary and mandatory reporting of disability in the workforce by large employers are being sought as part of a new Government consultation.
The consultation, which is part of the National Disability Strategy, seeks views on how employers with more than 250 employees might be encouraged to collect and report statistics about disability to make their workforces more inclusive.
A voluntary reporting framework, developed by Government in partnership with large employers and expert partners, including leading disability charities, has been in place since 2018. The consultation will explore how government and employers can make workplaces more inclusive for disabled people and increase transparency.
It asks employers, disabled people and representative groups to set out their views and experiences of disability workforce reporting.
The consultation is one of 100 immediate commitments from the National Disability Strategy. Published in July, the Strategy includes a wide range of practical actions aimed at making tangible improvements to the everyday lives of disabled people, focused on the issues that disabled people say matter most. Amongst these, many disabled people highlight the importance of being able to get a good job and to progress in their careers.
It is supported by £1.6bn of funding alongside an ambitious agenda for future reform. It builds on the Disability Discrimination Act which enshrined protections for disabled people when it comes to employment, transport, education and provision of goods and services.
Comments must be sent by 25 March 2022. The consultation document is available here.
Disability Unit, Equality Hub, Department for Work and Pensions December 2021