Written statement on Disability Workforce Reporting Consultation - Dec 16

Minister of State (Chloe Smith): Today the Government is publishing its consultation on disability workforce reporting, as announced in the National Disability Strategy.

Our strategy, published in July 2021, set out over 100 wide-ranging practical actions to improve the everyday lives of disabled people. The strategy focuses on the issues that disabled people have told us matter most to them.

Supportive workplaces, where disabled people feel valued and able to be open about any additional needs, are vital to driving progress. It is also important that employers have the information required to create inclusive workplaces.

Through this consultation we will build an evidence base to better understand:

• current reporting practices, and what works well
• the case for and against implementing a mandatory approach to reporting
• how a mandated approach to reporting, if adopted, might be implemented in practice
• if there are alternative approaches that could also be taken to enhance transparency and increase inclusive practices.

I would encourage Members to make constituents and networks aware of the consultation, and to respond before the closing date on 25 March 2022.

I will deposit a copy of the consultation in the Libraries of both Houses and publishing it online at https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/disability-workforce-reporting