Disabled workers hit hard by pandemic

Disabled workers have been pushed into financial hardship over the last year after their living standards were hit hardest by the pandemic, according to a new report.

The Trades Union Congress (TUC) said its research shows action is needed to help break down barriers to work facing disabled people after its survey of over 2,100 indicated two out of five disabled workers said they have faced financial difficulty during the pandemic compared to around one in four of nondisabled employees.

Disabled workers were found to be twice as likely to have had to visit a food bank than non-disabled workers and more likely to say they were concerned about losing their jobs, said the report.

The analysis also showed that non-disabled workers earn on average £1.90 an hour more than disabled employees – £3,458 more a year based on a 35-hour week – while disabled women face an even bigger pay gap.

The TUC has urged the Government to take action to close the disability employment and pay gap and ensure disabled people gain and retain quality employment.

TUC general secretary Frances O'Grady said: "Disabled workers have been hit hardestbyCovid-19.Manyhave been left without a safety net.

"With a cost-of-living crisis loomingweneedurgentaction from ministers.

"As we saw with the last financial crisis, disabled people are all too often first in line for redundancy, and those who keep hold of their jobs face a yawning pay gap.”

She added: "Disabled people deserve much better. We need mandatory disability pay gapreportingtoshinealighton poor workplace practices that fuel inequality at work.