Posted 27.01.2021

Work and Pensions Committee Launches Inquiry into Disability Employment Gap. The Chronic Illness Inclusion Project's (CIIP) submission illustrates how energy limiting chronic illnesses are often overlooked in the employment landscape.

In December 2020, the CIIP submitted evidence to the Work and Pensions Committee’s call for evidence for its inquiry into the disability employment gap.

In addition to the continuing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the UK government’s inquiry will examine the 28.6% gap in employment between disabled and non-disabled people (with current figures at 53.2% and 81.8% respectively). It will also address the economic impact of lower employment rates for disabled people, and the assistance available to disabled people seeking employment.

The CIIP’s research, initially undertaken in 2018 for the Disability Research on Independent Living and Learning programme (DRILL - a programme led by Disability Action NI in partnership with Disability Rights UK, Disability Wales and Inclusion Scotland) highlights the unique challenges of energy limiting chronic illness (ELCI) and employment, and calls for the government to implement policies specific to these conditions instead of a one-size-fits-all approach. 

Read more and the full submission