The Top Disability-Friendly Employers in the UK

Being a disabled jobseeker can be challenging, but there are plenty of disability-friendly employers in the UK. Here are our top 7.

Each of these organisations has made the list for their commitment to helping disabled employees reach their full potential. They provide an inclusive working environment where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. 

So, if you’re looking for a new career, or want to know more about disability-friendly employers, then read on. 

Top Disability-Friendly Employers UK

The following employers have all made it onto our list for their commitment to equal opportunities for all employees.

1. Lloyds Banking Group 

The Business Disability Forum has recognised Lloyds Banking Group as a leading employer for several years. The bank’s Workplace Adjustment Programme is a ground-breaking initiative that has offered support to thousands of workers.

Lloyds have completed over 31,000 assessments for colleagues with disabilities and/or long-term health conditions. These assessments help recommend what adjustments they may require to remove any barriers and support them to be their best. 

Lloyds Banking Group has an award-winning colleague network with over 5,000 members. It works towards connecting, supporting and developing colleagues with disabilities and long-term health conditions across their branches.  

The bank is a Disability Confident ‘Leader’, the highest ranking in the government’s Disability Confident employer scheme.

2. Unilever 

Unilever UK and Ireland achieved Disability Confident ‘Employer’ status in 2019, and work in collaboration with the Business Disability Forum to ensure they create an inclusive culture and represent applicants and employees with disabilities. 

They have set themselves a global target for 5% of their workforce to be represented by people with disabilities. They also aim for all of their sites to be fully accessible by the year 2025. 

Their website includes a comprehensive section on inclusion and diversity, taking ownership of their responsibilities and showing that they are serious about continuing to improve.

3. ITV 

ITV is a Disability Confident ‘Leader’, demonstrating its continued commitment to championing opportunities and removing barriers for disabled candidates. 

Their Diversity Acceleration Plan shows their commitment to increasing the representation of disabled people both on and off-screen at every level. It includes targets to improve career opportunities for disabled talent and ensure entry-level career opportunities are available for them. 

ITV’s internal colleague network, ITV Able, is focused on disability and aims to educate, influence and connect employees on the issues and support available. 

ITV has also partnered with the disability equality charity Scope, with a campaign to raise awareness of hidden disabilities.  

4. Greene King 

Pub retailer and brewer Greene King is a member of the Business Disability Forum. They have made commitments in several areas to diversify their workforce and employ talent from diverse backgrounds. 

Greene King recently received the bronze Inclusive Employers Standard award and launched a campaign to support young people with learning difficulties and disabilities in employment. The supported internships aim to help develop life and employment skills for young people who want to continue in the hospitality industry. 

5. Sainsbury’s 

Sainsbury’s achieved its Disability Confident ‘Leader’ status in 2017. This is the highest tier of the government’s programme, and they are by far the largest retailer to achieve this accreditation. 

Back in 2008, Sainsbury’s launched the You Can initiative, which supports people who otherwise might struggle to find a job, including those with disabilities. Sainsbury’s also has an internal network, EnAble, which supports employees with disabilities and health conditions. 

The retail giant has also been the headline sponsor of Purple Tuesday, an initiative encouraging retailers to be more inclusive and accessible. It helps to raise awareness of the barriers that people with disabilities may face, especially those with more ‘hidden’ disabilities. 

6. Allianz 

As a proud official partner of the British Paralympic Association, insurance company Allianz says its involvement with the BPA stems deeper than sponsorship. Their involvement has inspired them to cater to a much broader customer base and hire a more diverse workforce. 

As an accredited Disability Confident employer, Allianz works with the Business Disability Forum to create further support for their employees. 

Internally, Allianz has also created a network for employees with disabilities and those passionate about supporting them. 

7. Network Rail  

As an accredited Level 3 Disability Confident ‘Leader’, Network Rail has gained recognition within its peer group of organisations for its efforts to embrace differences. 

They’re keen to show potential candidates with disabilities they are leading the way in promoting Disability Confidence, both in and outside their organisation. 

The company is committed to maintaining an inclusive work environment where barriers are broken and stereotypes and prejudice are lessened. 

Conclusion: Top Disability-Friendly Employers UK 

More and more employers are signing up for the Disability Confident scheme. This means job seekers with disabilities have a much greater chance of reaching their full professional potential. 

The Careers with Disabilities Support Hub is packed with information for job seekers, including your rights as a disabled worker and what grants and schemes you may be entitled to. 

You can find out what job opportunities are available now on our specialist jobs board. Consult our directory of disability-friendly employers so you know your next employer will be looking out for your best interests.

Feel free to contact us with any queries. And finally, don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter to keep up with all the latest news and information from Careers with Disabilities.