The Department told us that it had looked at the impact of the scheme from a qualitative point of view, in 2009 and 2018. This research had highlighted the value of the scheme for both individuals and employers.61 The Department told us that individuals had talked about how the scheme created a level playing field in the workplace, reduced sickness absence, and improved confidence and wellbeing. It said that employers had talked about how the scheme enabled them to recruit more disabled people, to better understand their needs and provide effective support.62