Marvin OnumonuCommunities Minister Gordon Lyons (pictured, left) has set out plans for a new disability employment strategy in Northern Ireland (NI).
The aim is to see 50,000 more people with disabilities join the workforce over the next decade.
Lyons said the strategy was shaped by people with direct experience of disability, with input from over 100 partners in the disability and employment sectors.
The plan includes a new Disability and Work Council and focuses on four themes: personalised employment support, skills and career transitions, support for employers and better engagement and reporting.
Lyons said: “Northern Ireland’s performance on disability employment has not been good enough and we must do better.
“I am therefore bringing forward a new Disability and Work Strategy that will ensure more disabled people and those with health conditions access, and thrive in, quality employment in Northern Ireland.
“I want disabled people to know that my aim is to match your ambitions for work, to create the opportunities for you to succeed and to ensure that you are supported and encouraged at every stage of your employment journey.”
He said there is already a lot of work happening in this area and called for continued joint efforts to reach the strategy’s goals.
Lyons added: “No single person or organisation owns disability or employment. We will achieve the change that we want to see by Government, the voluntary and community sector, employers and many others working together, taking collective responsibility and challenging each other to do more and do better.
“In bringing forward this Strategy, I am committing to achieve better outcomes for disabled people.
“We will build on the good work that is already taking place, we will change where we need to, and we will ensure that all disabled people have the equality of opportunity to access, sustain, and progress in quality employment.”
Scott Jackson (pictured, centre), CEO at Ulster Supported Employment Limited (USEL), said: “USEL fully supports the Disability and Work Strategy’s vision for a truly inclusive labour market in Northern Ireland.
“We will work closely with the Department, employers and partners to ensure this strategy delivers real change, breaking down barriers, creating opportunities, and enabling disabled people to thrive in work and society.”
Donna-Marie Gill (pictured, right), diversity and inclusion lead at Kainos, said: “This Strategy represents an important milestone.
“As employers we all have a role to play and at Kainos, we’re determined to lead by example.
“Whether it’s through our Disability Confident Leader status, our inclusive design principles, or the partnerships we’ve built across the community, we’ve seen the difference collaboration makes.”
Gill added: “We look forward to working together to build a society where disabled people are fully included and supported to succeed.”
The Department for Communities is running roadshows and information events during the 12-week public consultation, which closes at 5pm on 12th January 2026.
