Many employers '˜wrong idea' about hiring disabled people

The Leonard Cheshire Disability charity said its poll of more than 500 employers showed the “serious discrimination and stereotypical” views faced by disabled people trying to get a job.

Three out of five of those questioned said they would be worried about the cost of employing a disabled person, while one in four said ensuring the interview process was accessible was a “barrier”.

Neil Heslop, CEO of Leonard Cheshire Disability, said: “Employers of all sizes have a huge role to play in closing the disability employment gap.

“Sadly, too many still seem to have the wrong idea about taking on disabled people.

“Disabled people can face barrier after barrier in getting a job as a result of attitudes that have no basis.

“We work with some of the biggest companies in the country.

“Given the chance and the right support we know disabled people flourish, making huge contributions to the success of companies and the UK economy as a whole.”

The charity described the findings of its survey as “shocking”, adding that by the age of 26, disabled people were four times more likely to be out of work or not in education than non-disabled people.