TUC calls on Government to make employers report disability pay gaps

The Government is being urged to make firms publish their disability pay gaps after new research suggested the difference with other workers has hit more than £2,800 a year.

The TUC said disabled workers were earning on average 15% less than other employees, rising to 29% for those with mental illnesses and 26% for anyone suffering with depression.

A legally binding requirement is needed to make firms publish details of any wage differences, said the TUC.

General secretary Frances O’Grady (pictured) said: “Disabled people face the double whammy of poorer job prospects and lower pay.

“Paying lip service is not going to fix the problem.

“Employers must be legally required to publish their disability employment and pay gaps. A light-touch, voluntary approach simply won’t cut it.

“Large companies have to report their gender pay gaps. Disabled people deserve the same level of transparency.”

A Government spokesman said: “The latest employment figures show more than half of disabled people are now in employment, and we are committed to seeing one million more disabled people in work by 2027.

“People can receive up to £57,200 a year in support to ensure a disability or health condition doesn’t hold them back at work, and we are also working with employers to support disabled people in the workplace, including launching a voluntary framework to help large employers report how many disabled people they employ.”

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