Almost half of disabled people in the UK say their disability or health condition makes it harder to hold down a job or progress at work, according to new research highlighting persistent barriers across the employment system.
People with disabilities continue to face significant obstacles in employment and career progression compared with people without disabilities, reveals new research published by Business Disability Forum (BDF). Based on an Opinium poll of 1,073 disabled adults in the UK, the findings paint a stark picture of the challenges disabled people encounter at every stage of working life – from applying for jobs to progressing in their careers.
Almost half (47%) of disabled people who are in work or looking for work said they believe it is harder for them to hold down a job because of their disability or health condition. A similar proportion (46%) said it is harder for them to progress in their careers.
DISABILITY INCLUSION MATTERS
When asked what would make the greatest difference, respondents pointed to a mix of practical and cultural changes in the workplace. Nearly half (46%) said access to more flexible working options would improve their experience. Around 40% highlighted the need for better understanding of disability from employers. A quarter (25%) said a more positive attitude towards employing disabled people would make a significant difference.
“These findings show the difference that inclusive employers can make to the workplace experience of disabled people. Making sure that HR teams and line managers are trained to understand the needs of disabled people and the barriers that disabled people can commonly face is an important first step,” Diane Lightfoot, CEO of Business Disability Forum, said. “But everyone has their role to play. Developing an inclusive workplace culture doesn’t just happen. It needs to be driven by senior leaders who can set the narrative and lead by example, so that disabled employees feel welcomed and able to ask for the support and adjustments they need.”
BARRIERS TO INCLUSION
The research suggests that obstacles persist throughout the workplace journey, beginning even before a job offer is made. More than four in ten disabled people who are working or seeking work said it is harder for them to look for jobs (43%) and attend interviews (43%) than it is for people without disabilities.
Once in work, nearly half (47%) said it is harder to hold down a job. Almost a third (32%) reported that they find it more difficult to ask for help from colleagues or a line manager. Career progression also remains a major concern, with almost half (46%) of respondents saying they feel it is harder for them to move forward in their careers.
DISABILITY-INCLUSIVE CULTURES MATTER
Disabled people who took part in the survey identified several changes they believe would meaningfully improve their experience at work. The most frequently cited were workplace adjustments, particularly more flexible working options (46%) and better access to the adjustments they need to do their jobs effectively (23%).
Respondents also highlighted the need for greater disability awareness, with 40% calling on employers to better understand their disability or long-term condition. Cultural change featured strongly too. A quarter (25%) said employers taking a more positive approach to employing disabled people would improve their experience. Another 22% said workplaces need to foster a more disability-inclusive culture overall.
RECOGNISING INCLUSIVE WORKPLACE PRACTICES
Understanding what inclusive recruitment and workplace practices look like in practice can be challenging for employers, BDF said. Each year, the organisation hosts its Disability Smart Impact Awards to highlight initiatives that have made a tangible difference to the working lives of disabled people.
The 2025 winners included Ofgem, recognised for pioneering the first digital workplace adjustments passport in the Civil Service. Inkfire received an award for its flexible working framework. And Enterprise East Group CIC, scooped an award for its placement and training scheme supporting disabled jobseekers.
Click here to find out more information about the Disability Smart Impact Awards.
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Business Disability Forum’s (BDF) Disability Smart Impact Awards 2026 are now open for nominations.
Check out 2025’s Disability Smart Awards winners here.
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