Government data shows that while employment rates for non-disabled people have continued to rise, the disability employment rate has declined. As a result, the disability employment gap is now at its widest since 2018.
Research by the disability charity Scope helps explain this trend. Employees with disabilities are almost twice as likely to leave work as those without. A leading cause is that many employers fail to make reasonable adjustments – despite having clear legal duties to do so.
Under the Equality Act 2010, employers must make reasonable adjustments to remove barriers that put disabled employees at a disadvantage. They also have responsibilities under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 to protect the health, safety and welfare of all employees, including those with disabilities.
This Disability Awareness Training course is designed to help employers meet these obligations. It explains how to identify and remove common workplace barriers, make reasonable adjustments and promote inclusion in the workplace. The course also examines disability discrimination, inclusive recruitment practices and how to handle disability disclosures appropriately.
By completing this course, organisations can strengthen compliance, improve recruitment and retention and build a more accessible, inclusive workplace for all employees.
Are You Aware of Your Responsibilities?
Under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, employers must take reasonable steps to ensure the health, safety and welfare of all employees. This duty includes considering the specific needs of employees with disabilities when assessing risks, making workplace adjustments and planning for emergencies.
The Equality Act 2010 also provides legal protection for disabled individuals and places clear responsibilities on employers. It requires employers to avoid disability discrimination and take reasonable steps to support disabled employees. This includes:
- Making reasonable adjustments to remove barriers in the workplace
- Avoiding discriminatory practices in recruitment, promotion and development
- Responding appropriately to concerns or complaints related to disability
- Creating inclusive policies and procedures that support equal access to opportunities
This Disability Awareness Training course explains these legal duties and outlines practical steps employers can take to meet their responsibilities.
About Disability Awareness Training
This Disability Awareness Training course is designed for employers, managers and senior staff responsible for workplace arrangements or supervising employees with disabilities. It’s suitable for organisations in any sector looking to meet legal duties and improve inclusion in the workplace.
The course covers key topics such as the legal definition of disability, employer responsibilities under the Equality Act 2010, and how to identify and remove common workplace barriers. It also explores inclusive recruitment practices, responding to disability disclosures, and considerations around induction, health and safety, and reasonable adjustments — all delivered with a focus on sensitivity and professionalism.
Completing this course helps ensure legal compliance, reduces the risk of discrimination claims and supports efforts to recruit, retain and include employees with disabilities across your organisation.
