The disability and health employment strategy : the discussion so far

There are 11.5 million working-age people in Great Britain with a long-term health condition.1 More than half (6.5 million) are classified as disabled under the Equality Act 2010, because they have a physical or mental impairment that has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on their ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities.

At any one time, some of these people will be unable to work, and they will continue to be provided with financial support.

However, many disabled people and people with health conditions can and do work, and the employment aspirations of too many remain unfulfilled.

When people are able to work, the value is not simply in financial independence.

Work can boost wellbeing, confidence and purpose. A number of factors contribute to the loss of potential, for example: entrenched beliefs about what individuals are capable of; employment support that has not met people's personal needs; and an inflexible benefits system.

There is a need to do more to enable disabled people and people with health conditions to get into, stay in and progress in work.

This Paper is the next important step in developing this approach and widening the focus. It sets out a range of proposals to further improve employment support, both for disabled people and for people with health conditions who do not consider themselves to be disabled.

This will be followed next year by a further paper, setting out the delivery plan