The UK Government has announced a major overhaul of the Disability Confident scheme, aiming to improve workplace inclusion and living standards for disabled people while supporting employers to recruit and retain talent. The reforms are part of the broader Plan for Change, designed to help sick and disabled people access work and progress in their careers.
Originally launched in 2016, the Disability Confident scheme has provided varying levels of support across regions, often failing to meet specific local needs. While many employers reported positive effects from joining the scheme, the Keep Britain Working review highlighted that the programme “lacks teeth” and could do more to deliver meaningful impact for disabled employees and employers alike.
The reformed scheme will trial new approaches alongside the Keep Britain Working Review Vanguards, including reducing the time employers can remain at the entry level, removing the option to renew at this level, and encouraging progression to higher commitment tiers. Tailored support will be offered to small and medium enterprises (SMEs), enabling businesses of all sizes to benefit, while enhanced peer-to-peer networks will allow employers to share best practices and access practical resources. Importantly, the reforms will integrate the voices of disabled people to ensure guidance reflects real experiences and workplace needs.
The changes aim to make participation more meaningful, incentivising employers to advance their Disability Confident status and create inclusive workplaces. This is expected to improve employment outcomes for disabled people across the UK, boosting living standards and helping more than 2.8 million individuals currently signed off long-term sick to move into secure employment. Around 19,000 employers currently participate in the scheme, impacting an estimated 11 million employees, and the reformed programme seeks to extend these benefits further.
Minister for Social Security and Disability Sir Stephen Timms emphasized that while Disability Confident has significant potential, it previously did not provide enough support for disabled people or for employers seeking to develop inclusive workplaces. The reforms, combined with a £1 billion annual investment in employment support and the Connect to Work programme, aim to support 300,000 sick or disabled people into work by the end of the parliamentary term.
Local authorities and business groups, including the Tees Valley Mayoral Combined Authority and the Federation of Small Businesses, have welcomed the changes. They highlighted the value of SME-focused support and the importance of recognising the contributions of small businesses in promoting workplace inclusion.
The Government will continue engaging with current scheme members, SMEs, large employers, and the Independent Disability Advisory Panel to ensure that reforms are practical and impactful. These measures are part of a wider effort to unlock work opportunities for sick or disabled people, reinforcing the Government’s commitment to building inclusive, resilient workplaces across the UK.
