Approximately 53% of businesses in the UK actively seek and welcome disabled candidates despite 73% of employers saying they are currently facing skills shortages, according to a survey from recruitment firm Intelligent Resource, previously known as Sopra Steria.

The survey of 392 employers showed that 75% of businesses admit that disabled applicants face barriers when job hunting, with online applications and assessments, face-to-face interviews and telephone interviews flagged as the stages where challenges are most often faced (identified by 44%, 38% and 31% respectively). 

The research also found that 80% of employers believe they ‘could do more’ to attract disabled jobseekers while 40% of those surveyed were ‘very confident’ in supporting disabled jobseekers and existing employees.

“This desire to improve in this area seems to be reflected in the fact that 67% of companies reported actively recording disability data,” Intelligent Resource said.

When asked where they go for support in order to boost disability inclusion, respondents identified HR consultancies, the Business Disability Forum and internal employee networks (selected by 80%, 67% and 60% respectively), while 7% said they rely on external recruitment providers for assistance.

“Fewer that one in ten of those surveyed turn to external recruitment providers to boost disability inclusion,” Sara Wright, Quality Assurance Manager and Inclusion Lead for Intelligent Resource, said. “However, staffing companies which are ‘disability confident’ (part of the Disability Confident programme) and committed to barrier free recruitment are perfectly placed to advise on tapping into this underutilised talent pool. For example, through reviewing existing attraction strategies and suggesting and supporting alternative recruitment methods.” 

Wright also pointed to research by Accenture which showed that companies which champion disabled talent enjoy 28% higher revenues than those which don’t.   

Earlier this month, data from the Office for National Statistics showed that disabled workers are paid 12.2% less than non-disabled workers.