According to recent figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), there are approximately 4.8 million disabled people across the UK in employment.
This is a rise of 1.3 million since 2017, and delivers on the UK Government's goal of seeing one million more disabled people in work before 2027. After the release of the figures, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) revealed a £1.3 billion investment over three years into employment support for disabled people and people with long-term health conditions.
In October, Shadow Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Jonathan Ashworth requested information about how the money will be spent. In response, former DWP minister Claire Coutinho stated that Work Coach support would increase across the UK for people with disabilities or health conditions claiming Universal Credit or Employment Support Allowance (ESA).
