Understanding the Intersection: Unemployment Disparities Among Disabled Individuals at the Crossroads of Ethnicity

Thu,25 January 2024
News Employment Equality & Rights
The recently released report by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) delves into the intersectionality of ethnicity and disability in relation to unemployment rates in England and Wales, using data from Census 2021. The findings highlight significant variations, shedding light on disparities that demand attention and targeted interventions.

Key Findings

  1. Overall Unemployment Variation:
    • Unemployment rates ranged widely, from 2.9% to 17.2%, emphasizing the need for nuanced approaches in addressing unemployment disparities.
  2. Impact of Disability Status:
    • Disabled adults, on average, were more likely to be unemployed, but the report reveals variations within ethnic groups.
  3. Ethnic Group Variation:
    • Unemployment rates varied significantly among the 19 ethnic groups, with the "Other ethnic group: Arab" category having the highest rate at 14.3%.
  4. Adjustments for Factors:
    • Regression modeling adjusted for age, sex, region, urban/rural status, education, sexual orientation, English language proficiency, and marital status, emphasizing the multifaceted nature of the issue.
  5. Final Model Findings:
    • The three ethnic groups with the highest likelihood of unemployment were "Other ethnic group: Arab" (17.2%), "Black: African" (11.1%), and "Asian: Bangladeshi" (11.1%).
  6. Intersectionality and Implications:
    • The study highlights how ethnicity and disability, when combined, impact employment outcomes, with ethnicity sometimes playing a larger role in unemployment levels.

Call to Action

The findings underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions and policies that consider the intersectionality of disability and ethnicity. To address the disparities revealed by the report, stakeholders, policymakers, and advocates must collaborate to ensure inclusive practices in employment opportunities.

Conclusion

The ONS report serves as a crucial tool for understanding the complexities of unemployment disparities among disabled individuals at the intersection of ethnicity. By acknowledging these challenges, we can work towards a more inclusive and equitable society that supports all individuals, regardless of their disability or ethnic background.

Disability Rights UK acknowledges the profound significance of the recent ONS report, emphasising the intersectionality of disability and ethnicity in shaping unemployment rates, and that there is still much research on intersectional disablement that is yet to be assessed through national census analysis. This data is crucial for advancing disability rights in the realm of employment. To address these disparities effectively, Disability Rights UK emphasises the importance of tailored interventions and inclusive policies, led by individuals with lived intersectional experiences. It is imperative for Disabled People's Organisations (DPOs) working in employment to incorporate an intersectional approach in their advocacy efforts and work with the expert consultancy of intersectional DPOs.