Businesses should review workplace security for hidden disabilities, urges ID Card Centre

Ben O’Brien, managing director at ID Card Centre, has urged businesses to review their workplace security after recent reports highlighted the challenges people with hidden disabilities face during security checks. 

Research found search interest for “what are hidden disabilities” went up by 150% in the past week, while searches for “invisible disabilities” doubled. 

Latest Government statistics showed around one in four people in the UK live with a disability, and an estimated 70% to 80% of disabilities are not visible.

Security specialists at ID Card Centre said accessibility should be treated as part of a security strategy. 

The company added that security must include people with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dementia and other hidden disabilities.

O’Brien said: “Good security isn’t about making life difficult, it’s about making it safe. 

“If employees or visitors struggle to understand how to enter a building or verify their identity, that’s not just an accessibility issue, it’s a security issue, too. 

“When people are unsure how to gain access, they’re more likely to tailgate through secure doors, ask colleagues to let them in or bypass established procedures, undermining otherwise robust security measures.”