Disabled older workers twice as likely to face discrimination, report finds

“Among 50 to 64-year-olds, the employment gap rate between Disabled and non-Disabled people is more than 30 percentage points. 

“Our new research highlights how age and disability discrimination often overlap, creating deeper disadvantages for these workers and making it harder to stay in jobs or find new opportunities.”

Lines added: “Disabled older workers told our researchers how they are navigating a constant minefield, weighing up whether to declare health conditions, how to ask for adjustments and how to present themselves in a labour market that often overlooks them or undervalues them. 

“This takes a toll on confidence, wellbeing and long-term health, likely exacerbating the disadvantages they face.

“What is clear from this project is that employers and government cannot tackle the barriers facing Disabled older workers without working directly with them.”

She said: “This project has shown just how vital it is to listen to the voices of Disabled older workers to understand the challenges in a way that is impossible without lived experience.”

Survey results showed disabled older workers were less satisfied at work compared to non-disabled people aged 50 to 66. 

30% were satisfied with pay and progression (compared to 40%), 39% with training and development (compared to 51%), 51% with roles and responsibilities (compared to 62%), and 43% with line managers (compared to 55%). 

39% of disabled people aged 50 to 66 did not feel their workplace was inclusive compared to 23% of non-disabled people.

Concerns about stigma and being perceived as less capable meant many disabled older workers did not ask for reasonable adjustments. 

Some did not believe employers would be able or willing to provide adjustments, due to physical limitations or overstretched teams. 

21% of disabled workers aged 50-66 had not asked for needed adjustments during the past five years. 

30% of disabled people lacked confidence in asking for adjustments, compared to 20% of non-disabled people.

Elaine Smith, deputy director for work at the Centre for Ageing Better, said: “Some participants in the research have found rewarding work with understanding and supportive employers. 

“But other participants described a life dominated by the dual responsibilities of managing work and their health condition, leaving little room for joy outside work and resulting in a loss of social life. 

“Flexibility is key and without it, Disabled older workers can struggle, finding it more difficult to manage their health or meet caring responsibilities.”

Smith added: “We know that there are employers out there who are the flexible and supportive organisations that allow Disabled older workers to thrive. 

“We need more employers to see the opportunities here and to understand better what is standing in their way and stopping them from offering the culture and policies that would create the right working environment for Disabled older workers.”

Suzanne Hall, project lead on the research and director of engagement at the Policy Institute at King’s College London, said: “The intersection of age and disability can create barriers which keep people with so much to offer out of the workplace. 

“Our research participants spoke about how hard it is to access the adjustments they are entitled to – that is, if they have the confidence to declare their disability in the first place.

“Yet, small changes could make a huge difference helping older Disabled people stay in work for longer, find new opportunities, and strengthen both their wellbeing and financial security – while also boosting the economy.”

Hall added: “But as this research shows, making these changes requires more than just listening. 

“We must meaningfully involve Disabled older people at every step of the way. 

“Only by genuinely co-designing new ways of working with Disabled older people will we be able to make a positive difference – and in a way that benefits us all.”