Work can offer purpose, security and connection with others. Yet for far too many Disabled people and those living with long-term health conditions in their 50s and 60s, unnecessary barriers keep these benefits out of reach. Supporting Disabled Older Workers explores the stories behind the numbers and sets out recommendations to improve support for people to find and stay in work.
The report has been shaped by a nine-person Experts by Experience Steering Group of Disabled people, who played a crucial role in designing and conducting the study. A central aim has been to place the voices of Disabled people at the heart of the research and explore their employment experiences through the Social Model of Disability, which sees people as disabled by societal barriers rather than their impairments or health conditions.
In collaboration with the Policy Institute at King’s College London, the research combines in-depth interviews with a nationally representative survey of over 1,000 people. Steered by the Experts by Experience at every stage, the report captures diverse employment experiences and highlights both systemic barriers and the strategies people use to navigate them. It concludes with co-designed recommendations for government, employers, and employment support providers to build a more inclusive labour market where Disabled people can find work, stay in work, and thrive.
