Employment support for disabled people

Work and Pensions Committee Open Inquiry
Opened: 16 Jul 2025 Parliament page
With the disability employment gap persistently at nearly 30%, the Government has announced it will spend an additional £2.2 billion on employment support over the next four years. The Committee will explore the reasons behind the disability employment gap, scrutinise Government programmes to support disabled people into work and make … Read more
14 Recommendations
25 Conclusions
2 Reports
3 Oral sessions
1 Letter
3 Events
Activity timeline 6 events
23 Jun
2026
Report published
21 May
2026
Report published
15 Apr
2026
Correspondence
11 Feb
2026
Oral evidence
17 Dec
2025
Oral evidence
12 Nov
2025
Oral evidence
Oral evidence sessions 3 sessions
11 Feb 2026
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Work and Pensions Committee
Angus Gray · Department for Work & Pensions David Lillicrap · West London Alliance Dr Simon Marlow · Department for Work and Pensions Lorraine Jackson · Department of Health and Social Care Ruth Cooper · Renfrewshire Council The Rt Hon. Dame Diana Johnson MP · Department for Work and Pensions
17 Dec 2025
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Work and Pensions Committee
Becci Newton · Institute for Employment Studies Gareth Parry · Maximus UK Laura Davis · British Association of Supported Employment Nicola Whiteman · Papworth Trust Professor Adam Whitworth · University of Strathclyde, Glasgow Professor Benjamin Barr · University of Liverpool Professor Bruce Stafford · University of Nottingham Richard Clifton · Shaw Trust
12 Nov 2025
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Work and Pensions Committee
Conor D'Arcy · Money and Mental Health Policy Institute Evan John · Sense Geoff Fimister · Inclusion Barnet Jamie Cater · Make UK Kate Nicholls OBE · UKHospitality Michelle De Oude · Greater Manchester Disabled People's Panel Patrick Milnes · British Chambers of Commerce
Title HC No. Published Items Response
1st Report – Employment support for disabled people: Connect to … HC 77 23 Jun 2026 21 Pending
7th Report - Employment support for disabled people: Disability … HC 1227 21 May 2026 18 Overdue
Recommendations & Conclusions
39 results
1 Conclusion
7th Report - Employment support fo…
For too many disabled people, the workplace remains a hostile environment.
For too many disabled people, the workplace remains a hostile environment. This manifests itself in two main ways: a reluctance among employers to make reasonable adjustments, and inaccessible workplaces and practices that leave disabled people unnecessarily reliant on reasonable adjustments … Read more
Department for Work and Pensions
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2 Recommendation
7th Report - Employment support fo…
To improve disabled people’s experiences of requesting reasonable adjustments, the government should strengthen the Equality...
To improve disabled people’s experiences of requesting reasonable adjustments, the government should strengthen the Equality Act 2010 by requiring employers to respond to requests for such adjustments in writing within two weeks. It should also provide in legislation that any … Read more
Department for Work and Pensions
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3 Recommendation
7th Report - Employment support fo…
To provide a stronger evidence base for future policymaking, the government should commission more research...
To provide a stronger evidence base for future policymaking, the government should commission more research into: • the impact of flexible working, particularly remote working, on productivity; 38 • the costs and benefits of giving disabled people the right to … Read more
Department for Work and Pensions
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4 Conclusion
7th Report - Employment support fo…
We also recommend that the government provide an update on its plans to improve disabled...
We also recommend that the government provide an update on its plans to improve disabled people’s access to assistive technology, including the proposal to establish an Assistive and Accessible Technology Centre. (Recommendation, Paragraph 35)
Department for Work and Pensions
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5 Recommendation
7th Report - Employment support fo…
To ensure that no disabled person misses out on reasonable adjustments through a lack of...
To ensure that no disabled person misses out on reasonable adjustments through a lack of awareness or confidence, the government should require employers to provide all new employees, whether they know them to be disabled or not, with information about … Read more
Department for Work and Pensions
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6 Conclusion
7th Report - Employment support fo…
We wholeheartedly support the ambition in the Keep Britain Working Report to transform the way...
We wholeheartedly support the ambition in the Keep Britain Working Report to transform the way employers manage the health of their employees and thereby prevent people from falling out of work and into economic inactivity. If it succeeds, disabled people, … Read more
Department for Work and Pensions
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7 Recommendation
7th Report - Employment support fo…
We urge the Vanguard Taskforce, and ultimately the government, to clarify the nature of the...
We urge the Vanguard Taskforce, and ultimately the government, to clarify the nature of the Workplace Health Provision (WHP) by the end of the year and to include within its scope at least some element of occupational health for small … Read more
Department for Work and Pensions
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8 Conclusion
7th Report - Employment support fo…
We recognise that the focus of the Keep Britain Working Report was on preventing people...
We recognise that the focus of the Keep Britain Working Report was on preventing people from falling out of work, but the proposals being trialled by the Vanguards present an opportunity to support more disabled people into work by encouraging … Read more
Department for Work and Pensions
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9 Recommendation
7th Report - Employment support fo…
We recommend that encouraging employers to make their workplaces more accessible for disabled people, beyond...
We recommend that encouraging employers to make their workplaces more accessible for disabled people, beyond improving access to reasonable adjustments, be made an explicit aim of the Healthy Working Lifecycle (HWL) and Workplace Health Provision (WHP). The Vanguards should explore … Read more
Department for Work and Pensions
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10 Conclusion
7th Report - Employment support fo…
We have concerns about the idea of sharing the burden of funding the Workplace Health...
We have concerns about the idea of sharing the burden of funding the Workplace Health Provision (WHP) equally between all employers. While we disagree that smaller employers will not benefit from the WHP, making these employers pay too much, too … Read more
Department for Work and Pensions
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11 Recommendation
7th Report - Employment support fo…
We recommend that the government explore alternatives to asking small business owners to pay for...
We recommend that the government explore alternatives to asking small business owners to pay for the WHP, at least until the costs and benefits have started to be clearly defined. Among these alternatives, it should include the possibility of asking … Read more
Department for Work and Pensions
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12 Conclusion
7th Report - Employment support fo…
Employers often overestimate the costs and risks of employing disabled people, and underestimate the return...
Employers often overestimate the costs and risks of employing disabled people, and underestimate the return on investment and long-term benefits, but employers’ concerns will sometimes be justified. It is right, therefore, that the government explore financial incentives for employers who … Read more
Department for Work and Pensions
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13 Conclusion
7th Report - Employment support fo…
Financial incentives for small employers to engage with the proposals in Keep Britain Working and...
Financial incentives for small employers to engage with the proposals in Keep Britain Working and hire more disabled people should be among the first concrete proposals coming out of the Vanguards. In its response to our report, we ask the … Read more
Department for Work and Pensions
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14 Conclusion
7th Report - Employment support fo…
Mandatory disability reporting has the potential to improve disability employment rates.
Mandatory disability reporting has the potential to improve disability employment rates. (Conclusion, Paragraph 69)
Department for Work and Pensions
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15 Recommendation
7th Report - Employment support fo…
We recommend that the government legislate as part of the Equality (Race and Disability) Bill...
We recommend that the government legislate as part of the Equality (Race and Disability) Bill to require businesses with more than 250 employees to report on the number of disabled people they employ. Alongside a commitment to legislate, the government … Read more
Department for Work and Pensions
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16 Conclusion
7th Report - Employment support fo…
We agree with the Keep Britain Working Report that the Workplace Health Provision (WHP) does...
We agree with the Keep Britain Working Report that the Workplace Health Provision (WHP) does not need to reinvent the wheel and should instead bring together and expand existing provision. There are already many third sector organisations, including disability charities, … Read more
Department for Work and Pensions
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17 Recommendation
7th Report - Employment support fo…
We recommend that the WHP capitalise on the existing support available from third sector organisations...
We recommend that the WHP capitalise on the existing support available from third sector organisations by providing a single point of entry to that support for employers and employees. (Recommendation, Paragraph 75)
Department for Work and Pensions
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18 Recommendation
7th Report - Employment support fo…
In the light of evidence set out throughout out report, we recommend that the Workplace...
In the light of evidence set out throughout out report, we recommend that the Workplace Health Intelligence Unit seek to gather data on: • the impact of adjustment passports on disabled people’s access to, and experiencing of requesting, reasonable adjustments; … Read more
Department for Work and Pensions
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1 Conclusion
1st Report – Employment support fo…
We welcome the focus of Connect to Work on ensuring support is targeted at people...
We welcome the focus of Connect to Work on ensuring support is targeted at people who are currently out of paid employment and face the greatest barriers to employment, particularly disabled people and those with long- term health conditions. The … Read more
Department for Work and Pensions
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2 Conclusion
1st Report – Employment support fo…
We welcome Connect to Work’s solid foundations in internationally recognised supported employment models grounded in...
We welcome Connect to Work’s solid foundations in internationally recognised supported employment models grounded in person-centred, values-based approaches, that are widely regarded as an effective framework for supporting disabled people into sustainable employment. The programme’s scale, national coordination, and delivery … Read more
Department for Work and Pensions
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3 Conclusion
1st Report – Employment support fo…
We welcome the programme’s devolved design and recognise the government’s view that it appropriately balances...
We welcome the programme’s devolved design and recognise the government’s view that it appropriately balances national oversight with local flexibility. We are reassured that extensive performance monitoring is part of CtW, and that there is also a comprehensive evaluation programme … Read more
Department for Work and Pensions
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4 Conclusion
1st Report – Employment support fo…
The early implementation of Connect to Work presented notable challenges as delivery arrangements were established.
The early implementation of Connect to Work presented notable challenges as delivery arrangements were established. Some local authorities reported that extensive administrative requirements at the outset slowed progress and complicated early delivery. While the programme’s model appropriately requires robust assurance … Read more
Department for Work and Pensions
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5 Conclusion
1st Report – Employment support fo…
In response to our report, we ask that DWP provide an update on programme mobilisation,...
In response to our report, we ask that DWP provide an update on programme mobilisation, including the agreement of delivery plans and what steps it took to reduce delays, and set out what lessons it has learned that could be … Read more
Department for Work and Pensions
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6 Conclusion
1st Report – Employment support fo…
Support from DWP during the launch of Connect to Work was not consistent across areas.
Support from DWP during the launch of Connect to Work was not consistent across areas. Differences in the quality and clarity of guidance, levels of engagement from Regional Engagement Leads, and the readiness of digital systems created challenges in the … Read more
Department for Work and Pensions
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7 Recommendation
1st Report – Employment support fo…
DWP should outline how it intends to strengthen its operational processes to support a smoother...
DWP should outline how it intends to strengthen its operational processes to support a smoother operation of Connect to Work, including ensuring continuity in case management, updating the tools used for reviewing documentation, and reducing delays caused by slow or … Read more
Department for Work and Pensions
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8 Conclusion
1st Report – Employment support fo…
Early feedback from local authorities demonstrated confidence in their ability to source, retrain and redeploy...
Early feedback from local authorities demonstrated confidence in their ability to source, retrain and redeploy staff, demonstrating strong local engagement. However, there is some misalignment between the readiness reported by local authorities at a commissioning level and the experience of … Read more
Department for Work and Pensions
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9 Conclusion
1st Report – Employment support fo…
The effectiveness of employment support depends on the quality and expertise of those delivering it.
The effectiveness of employment support depends on the quality and expertise of those delivering it. Despite a shared skill base across programmes, providers continue to face challenges in recruiting and retaining staff with specialist expertise, reflecting wider labour market pressures. … Read more
Department for Work and Pensions
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10 Conclusion
1st Report – Employment support fo…
In response to this report, DWP should outline what assessment it has made of workforce...
In response to this report, DWP should outline what assessment it has made of workforce capacity for Connect to Work. This should include whether workforce planning is in place, whether it thinks there are enough appropriately trained people to deliver … Read more
Department for Work and Pensions
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11 Conclusion
1st Report – Employment support fo…
The success of Connect to Work will depend on how effectively it is integrated with...
The success of Connect to Work will depend on how effectively it is integrated with wider local systems. We are encouraged to see that the government recognises the importance of this approach. One of the most effective ways of supporting … Read more
Department for Work and Pensions
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12 Recommendation
1st Report – Employment support fo…
We recommend that the government sets out its assessment of the adequacy of the cross-government...
We recommend that the government sets out its assessment of the adequacy of the cross-government support being provided to local authorities to enable them to provide a comprehensive offer of employment support to those who need it in their local … Read more
Department for Work and Pensions
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13 Conclusion
1st Report – Employment support fo…
We support the national rollout of WorkWell.
We support the national rollout of WorkWell. By strengthening coordination between health and employment services, WorkWell has the potential to support clearer pathways between programmes, including Connect to Work, and to contribute to wider system change. Effective arrangements for information … Read more
Department for Work and Pensions
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14 Conclusion
1st Report – Employment support fo…
In response to this report DWP should clearly outline indicative delivery and rollout arrangements for...
In response to this report DWP should clearly outline indicative delivery and rollout arrangements for WorkWell. This should include referral readiness and the point at which full delivery is expected in each Integrated Care Board (ICB), as well as how … Read more
Department for Work and Pensions
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15 Conclusion
1st Report – Employment support fo…
The funding profile for CtW exposes some rigidity in how departmental resources are being managed...
The funding profile for CtW exposes some rigidity in how departmental resources are being managed across financial years, particularly where delivery does not align with planned timelines. The indication that any unspent funding from delays to Connect to Work would … Read more
Department for Work and Pensions
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16 Recommendation
1st Report – Employment support fo…
In response to this report, the government should clearly set out how it has applied...
In response to this report, the government should clearly set out how it has applied proportional and effective financial management to maximise the use of allocated resources across financial years. Additionally, this should include a detailed explanation of its consideration … Read more
Department for Work and Pensions
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17 Conclusion
1st Report – Employment support fo…
We welcome DWP’s intention to fund Connect to Work beyond the Spending Review period.
We welcome DWP’s intention to fund Connect to Work beyond the Spending Review period. It is encouraging that, as the programme was conceived from the outset as a multi-year intervention, early actions indicate a commitment to continuity. It is important … Read more
Department for Work and Pensions
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18 Recommendation
1st Report – Employment support fo…
The government should set out a clear commitment to the long-term future of the programme...
The government should set out a clear commitment to the long-term future of the programme beyond the current Spending Review period. This should include a written statement of intent confirming that the programme is 35 expected to continue, providing local … Read more
Department for Work and Pensions
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19 Conclusion
1st Report – Employment support fo…
We heard evidence that some areas experienced a gap in provision where referrals to the...
We heard evidence that some areas experienced a gap in provision where referrals to the Work and Health Programme Pioneer ended before Connect to Work was fully mobilised. Although the two programmes serve different cohorts, the absence of both in … Read more
Department for Work and Pensions
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20 Recommendation
1st Report – Employment support fo…
In its response to this report, the government should set out clearly how individuals affected...
In its response to this report, the government should set out clearly how individuals affected by gaps between the Work and Health Programme Pioneer and the rollout of Connect to Work will be supported going forward. This should include an … Read more
Department for Work and Pensions
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21 Conclusion
1st Report – Employment support fo…
The DWP should improve its forward planning by using a systems-based approach to minimise the...
The DWP should improve its forward planning by using a systems-based approach to minimise the risk of gaps in provision and maintain continuity of support for people who need employment assistance. This includes planning programme transitions in a way that … Read more
Department for Work and Pensions
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Correspondence 1 letter
15 Apr 2026 Correspondence with the Minister for Employment, following her appearance before the Committee on Wednesday 11 February 2026
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