Executive Summary
The University of Southampton’s submission, written by Associate Professor William E. Donald, sets out clear evidence on why progress on disability employment has stalled. The response argues that policy has focused too heavily on short-term job outcomes and has overlooked long-term employability, which depends on health, confidence, social capital, and sustained access to support.
The submission identifies major barriers that prevent disabled people from entering and staying in work. These include fluctuating health conditions, fear of losing benefits, inaccessible workplaces, and inconsistent provision of adjustments and assistive technologies. It also notes that support varies widely across the UK, which creates significant regional inequalities.
The response highlights the Employability Capital Growth Model as a practical framework for improving support. It calls for long-term, person-centred guidance, better training for Disability Employment Advisers, and stronger co-production with disabled people. It also stresses that digital tools and AI must be tested for accessibility to avoid reinforcing exclusion.
The submission concludes that improvements in disability employment depend on better access to health and social care. It argues that progress requires coordinated action across government, employers, and public services, and that stable funding and clear accountability are essential for a more inclusive labour market.
Authors
