The inclusion of people with disabilities in the labour market was a key topic at the recent informal meeting of Employment and Social Affairs Ministers (EPSCO) under the Irish Presidency of the Council of the EU. Ministers discussed how to create more inclusive labour markets and remove the barriers that still prevent many persons with disabilities from accessing jobs, staying in employment and progressing in their careers.  

The Social Platform attended the EPSCO meeting and brought civil society’s perspective on disability employment to the discussion. EASPD contributed to shaping the Social Platform’s messages, calling for the full implementation of the Disability Employment Package, sustainable funding for employment support measures, and stronger recognition of the workforce supporting persons with disabilities through better working conditions, fair pay and opportunities for professional development. 

New evidence from Eurofound (which stands for European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions) reinforces the need for practical measures to make employment more inclusive. Its background paper, Disability employment policy tools for engaging employers, looks at how employers can be better supported to recruit, retain and develop workers with disabilities. The report highlights that inclusive employment depends on a combination of effective policies, workplace adaptations and practical support for employers. 

For EASPD and its members, the findings confirm the important role of support services in creating pathways to employment. Organisations supporting persons with disabilities work alongside people, employers and public authorities to identify solutions, remove barriers and make workplaces more inclusive. 

We are engaging to find solutions on one crucial moment: the transition from education to employment. As part of the actions under the Disability Employment Package under the enhanced EU Strategy on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, EASPD is developing guidelines on the transition from education to employment. They aim to support the creation of policies to strengthen pathways into employment and ensure that young people with disabilities receive the right support to pursue their goals and aspirations. 

The EPSCO discussions and Eurofound’s findings underline that closing the disability employment gap requires coordinated action and effective policies. Stronger support for employers and accessible, quality support services can make a difference in ensuring that persons with disabilities can access and progress in employment.