Number of disabled people in employment in Dorset soars

The disability employment rate in the South West is among the highest in the country.

Figures released to MPs this month show a growth of over 300,000 disabled people employed in the UK. Across the South West, more than 60% of people with complex needs are in work, the second-highest figure for a region in the UK.

BUzz spoke to David McArthur MBE from JobCentrePlus, and training manager at The Crumbs Project, Ursula Boardman, about how their work is a vital contribution to this increase, but also what challenges remain for those working in employment aid and for people with disabilities:

Those with disabilities now account for almost 20% of the working-age population, and over half of the growth in employment levels since 2013 has come from people with disabilities. 

The picture looks to be improving, but both Ursula and David agree there is still work to be done if the disability employment gap is to be closed for good.