Negative attitudes at work are an accessibility issue

Discover our latest evidence of disabled people's employment journey and negative attitudes in the workplace.

Practical barriers are often the focus with disabled people getting into work. And we know inaccessible workplaces, transport and technology do matter. But they are not the whole story.

Our latest employment publication highlights a less visible barrier. Negative attitudes can prevent disabled people from getting meaningful work.

Around 1 million disabled people in the UK want to work but are being denied the opportunity. This is not because they lack ambition or talent. It's because the systems around them continue to fail.

Our latest research draws attention to 3 themes:

judgment before employment begins
being let down in the workplace
the lasting effects of negative employment experiences

Read the publication

Do I tell a hiring manager I'm disabled?

Disabled people can face an extra decision before they even submit an application. Disclosing a condition or impairment is a big decision. It's personal for each disabled person. Fear of discrimination can make disclosure feel risky.

These concerns do not end when disabled people get a job. Negative assumptions about their abilities can shape recruitment decisions, workplace relationships and development.

I personally feel if they want to reject you because of your health, they’ll find another reason to reject you

Charlie, Our Lives Our Journey (OLOJ) Wave 2 cohort

Is this workplace culture inclusive?

People can assume fewer benefit payments will get disabled people into work. Or that they need more motivation to get a job. Our findings challenge that narrative. The focus should be on changing the attitudes and systems that create inequality. Creating an inclusive workplace culture is a priority to help disabled colleagues thrive.

Workplace adjustments alone cannot create equality. Managers and colleagues should not frame disabled employees as demanding “special treatment”. Employers must build cultures that respect and support disabled people. They must challenge harmful behaviour, rather than allow it to become normal.

Will I ever find an inclusive workplace?

Discrimination is not always obvious or easy to challenge. It can build over time and cause lasting damage. And it can appear through hostile comments, deliberate exclusion or lack of development. Failing to provide adjustments, or questioning whether they're necessary, can make things worse.

Taken together, these experiences can leave disabled employees feeling undervalued and unwanted. The lasting impact of negative attitudes can be significant. It can damage their trust, confidence and aspirations.

Read the full publication

The full publication explores disabled people’s experiences throughout the employment journey. And what must change to remove these barriers for good.

Discover the personal experiences and recommendations for creating genuinely inclusive workplaces.

Read the publication