Disabled individuals in Wales are feeling neglected and left behind as significant delays hinder the implementation of crucial reforms necessary to advance their rights, warned the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC). Ruth Coombs, the head of EHRC for Wales, highlighted this troubling reality during her testimony at a Senedd inquiry on disability and employment on October 7. She emphasised the nation’s loss by stating that denying disabled people access to employment means Wales is missing out on productivity and economic engagement, hindering its progress.
Addressing the Senedd’s equality committee, Coombs drew attention to the concerning gap in policy implementation following the EHRC’s Locked Out report, which showed how the pandemic disproportionately affected disabled individuals. She expressed frustration over severe delays in enacting the Welsh Government’s disability action plan, which has fallen behind by 12 to 18 months. Coombs urged for more urgency and momentum, highlighting the sense of sidelining felt by disabled people.
She raised concerns about the uneven availability of job and education opportunities in Wales and mentioned Medr, the new body overseeing post-16 education, succeeding Hefcw, for stimulating apprenticeships for those with disabilities. However, she noted that very few disabled learners start apprenticeships and even fewer complete them, as confirmed by 2022 statistics showing a 32.3% disability employment gap in Wales, higher than both Scotland and the UK average.
Martyn Jones, acting chair of EHRC’s Wales committee, echoed concerns about disability not receiving the same level of attention as other protected characteristics. He urged for incorporating the UN convention on the rights of disabled people into Welsh legislation and commended efforts by organisations such as GCHQ for actively recruiting individuals with autism for their unique abilities.
Fflur Elin from the Federation of Small Businesses Wales highlighted the struggles faced by disabled individuals and businesses in accessing necessary support, advocating for the devolution of the shared prosperity fund to bolster business support. She also discussed the challenges businesses face in understanding and fulfilling their obligations under the Equality Act.
The discussion also touched on the UK Government’s Access to Work scheme and the lengthy wait times impacting decisions, presenting a significant obstacle to disabled individuals seeking necessary adjustments. The call for more awareness, urgency, and support for disabled individuals in Wales continues amidst ongoing challenges and delays in implementing reforms essential for their inclusion and advancement.