Stats New Zealand has released some worrying statistics regarding disability employment rates
Disabled people are three times less likely to be in work, and more than twice as likely to be unemployed or underutilised (work part time yet would like more work hours), according to new research by Statistics New Zealand.
Labour market manager Sean Broughton said the difference between the employment rates of disabled and non-disabled people is the “disability employment gap”.
“It’s a key measure of how disabled people are faring in the workforce,” he said. “In 2018, the disability employment gap was 47.7%.”
Even though employment rates for disabled men (23.5%) and women (21.3%) were similar, the disability employment gap for women (43.6%) was lower than that for men (51.8%).
On average, employed disabled people worked fewer hours per week than employed non-disabled people, and were more likely to work part time.
Statistics New Zealand classifies disabled people as being anyone who has ‘at least a lot of difficulty in one or more of six specified areas’ – seeing (even with glasses), hearing (even with hearing aids), walking or climbing stairs, remembering or concentrating, self-care and communicating.
Earlier in the year, SAP expanded one of its award-winning initiatives into New Zealand, with the aim of helping individuals on the autism spectrum secure qualified employment within the company.
“By embracing differences, we help spark innovation – while challenging assumptions and inspiring change,” said Anka Wittenberg, chief diversity officer at SAP SE, the firm’s German division.
“Those on the autism spectrum for example, add enormous value with their high-levels of attention to detail in software development and testing, and data analysis as well as other roles in our company such as customer support and marketing.”
Moreover, First Union’s Dennis Maga said the recently released figures are concerning especially due to the wide range of disabilities, the number of people impacted, and the fact that many disabled people are very capable of working multiple jobs.
“We would like to see more businesses being more accepting of disability terms and conditions so it’s easier for these workers to enjoy a life like any other New Zealander,” said Maga.
“With work comes independence, something that’s so very important for a healthy mind-set.”