Jessica O'ConnorDisabled workers in the UK effectively “stop earning” from this week because of the disability pay gap, according to analysis from the TUC.
The union body said thaat disabled employees are still earning £2.24 an hour less than non-disabled workers – a 15.5% gap that equates to more than £4,000 a year for someone working full time.
The analysis showed that despite a modest improvement from last year’s 17.2% gap, pay inequality remains substantial and continues to limit disabled workers’ financial security and career progression.
The disparity is even wider for disabled women.
Non-disabled men earn 27.3% more than disabled women, highlighting a double disadvantage based on both gender and disability.
The TUC warned that these income differences sit alongside higher unemployment among disabled people.
According to its analysis, the unemployment rate in this group is now at its highest level since before the pandemic and more than double that of non-disabled workers.
Living costs compounded inequalities.
Scope data showed that disabled people require an additional £1,224 a month on average to maintain the same standard of living, due to expenses such as heating, mobility equipment, sensory aids and specialist food.
Disabled workers were also more exposed to insecure contracts.
The TUC’s findings revealed they are significantly more likely to be employed on zero-hours arrangements (4.3%) than non-disabled workers (3.3%), leaving many with fluctuating incomes and limited ability to manage health needs or challenge unfair treatment.
The union body said upcoming legislation could help address these issues.
The Government’s Employment Rights Bill will ban zero-hours contracts, which the TUC argues will improve stability for disabled workers.
Ministers have also committed to mandatory disability pay gap reporting, mirroring requirements that already exist for gender pay transparency.
The TUC urged the Government to deliver these reforms quickly and to strengthen support systems such as Access to Work, alongside faster processes for reasonable adjustments.
TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak said: “Everyone who works for a living deserves to earn a decent living. But disabled workers are still waiting for pay parity and fair treatment at work.
“Urgent action is now needed to improve the quality of work and pay for disabled people.
“The government’s commitment to delivering mandatory pay gap reporting and banning exploitative zero-hours contracts are among some of the measures that will make a real difference in disabled people’s working lives.
“It’s important we now see those plans realised as soon as possible. We need an economy that allows disabled people to thrive – not one that traps them in poverty.”
