UK: Government has Launched a Consultation on Disability Workforce Reporting

Authors: Charles Urquhart and Corinna Harris

Given that evidence around the use of the existing voluntary reporting framework is limited, the consultation aims to explore disability workforce reporting for large employers with 250 or more employees. It covers current practice and how workforce reporting on disability might be stepped up, including both voluntary and mandatory reporting practices.

In relation to potential mandatory reporting, the focus of the consultation is on the publication of the proportion of employees in a workforce who identify as disabled and whether a standardised approach to collecting disability workforce data should be adopted – and if so, how this could be achieved. The consultation will also consider if there are alternative approaches that could also be taken to enhance transparency and increase inclusive practices.

Key Action Points for Human Resources and In-house Counsel

The focus of the consultation appears to be on recording information about disabled people in the workforce, rather than the pay received by disabled people. The consultation closes on 25 March 2022 and a response is due to be published by 17 June 2022.