Commenting as the TUC release new data showing the impact of the pandemic on disabled workers, on the day they stop getting paid for the year compared to non-disabled employees – ‘disability pay gap day’ – Natalie Arnett, senior equalities officer for school leaders’ union NAHT, said:

“These figures are a clear reminder that when it comes to equality, we still have a long way to go. It is completely unacceptable that in 2021, analysis from the TUC finds that non-disabled workers are paid 16.5 per cent more a year than disabled workers. And it’s not just pay that’s an issue, but also engagement in the job market itself.

“It is important that children and young people do not experience unfair barriers to achieving future aspirations. We know, from the limited data we have, that there is significant underrepresentation of individuals with a disability working in education; the latest workforce data suggests only about 2% of the teaching profession have a disability compared to around 20% of people in the UK.

“There needs to be far better recognition of disabled people’s employment needs in order to effectively support them in the workplace. However, this must be underpinned by ensuring that those with disabilities are valued appropriately and equitably for the work that they do.

“In reality, the cultural shift required to properly support individuals with disabilities must start right from the beginning and that means starting with children and young people. If the government are serious about addressing the issues of inequality, they must urgently publish the findings of their SEND review and commit the money needed to address the SEND crisis in schools. It is unacceptable that two years on from starting the review, the government has still not taken any action.”