Increasing the Employment of Disabled People in the Public Sector - Consultation

Overview

In December 2016 the Scottish Government published A Fairer Scotland for Disabled People – Our Action Plan. This was developed together with disabled people and their organisations. It sets out over 90 commitments to improve the lives of disabled people, and people with long term health conditions. Over 20 of these commitments relate to work and employment. One of the main actions there, number 28, is the following:

“We will reduce barriers to employment for disabled people and to seek to reduce at least by half, the employment gap between disabled people and the rest of the working age population. Together with disabled people, their organisations and other key stakeholders we will develop this action in more detail, including a time table and plan for achieving the reduction.”

All the work related commitments in the Action Plan will all feed into this overarching commitment. But we also need to do more. Another key action in the Action plan is this (number 29):

“Disabled people are 20% of the population, but make up only 11% of the private sector workforce and 11.7% of the public sector workforce. We will consult with DPOs and public sector bodies around setting targets to redress this imbalance.”

Why your views matter

This document sets out our on-going commitment to support disabled people into sustainable and fair work, as well as to stay in work if their disability or health issues become worse. It focusses specifically on what more can be done to support more disabled people into work in the public sector. But it will also touch on related issues, such as recruitment processes, and what further actions are needed to help close the disability employment gap. 

Download the consultation paper.

Accessibility: If you need any other formats (word, Braille) please contact Andrew Stewart.