#ICYMI - Me for @SMFthinktank: Supporting disabled people into work

The Conservative party's 2015 and 2017 manifestos both outlined an ambition to dramatically increase disability employment rates in the UK - this report from @SMFthinktank, kindly supported by @trustforlondon , shows the challenge of delivering this ambition in London. #LondonDisabilityEmployment

#LondonDisabilityEmployment close to 700,000 Londoners report having a health problem or disability that limits their ability to work.

The disability employment rate gap measures the difference between employment rates for those with a work-limiting health condition or disability, and the working age population with no limiting condition or disability.

Across London, this gap has been falling over time, meaning that London has performed better on this measure that the rest of the UK.

#LondonDisabilityEmployment But, there are differences in performance across different age groups and between those with different types of health condition or disability. 

For example, over 60% of 16-24s in London with a mental health condition are out of work. Whereas for 55-64 year olds, the equivalent figure is just over 20%.

#LondonDisabilityEmployment There are also large differences in disability employment rates and the disability employment rate gap across London boroughs

#LondonDisabilityEmployment To some extent, these differences are linked with the wider characteristics of the borough and its economic performance.

#LondonDisabilityEmployment But, across London boroughs there are large differences in disability employment and the disability employment rate gap.

And boroughs have had mixed success in reducing the disability employment rate gap. Some areas have seen large falls in disability employment (type 3 boroughs) while others have seen large increases (type 1 boroughs).

#LondonDisabilityEmployment There is a lot already happening - with action nationally, regionally and locally. However, on their own, these approaches will not be enough to meet the challenge of tackling the disability employment rate gap in London. 

To do this, the report outlines three proposals.

#LondonDisabilityEmployment Recommendation 1 builds on the convening power of the Mayor of London to promote activities and support that can increase disability employment in the Capital.

#LondonDisabilityEmployment Recommendation 2 ensures that the locally determined funding that will replace the EU Social Fund is targeted on supporting disabled people to enter and remain in work.

#LondonDisabilityEmployment Recommendation 3 demonstrates the role that central Government can play in supporting local innovation and testing of approaches to support disabled people to enter and remain in work.

#LondonDisabilityEmployment - See the full report here

Or contact matthew@smf.co.uk