UK BUSINESS has a golden opportunity to access the £212 billion annual disability market through the Government’s Disability Confident scheme, according to equality champion Mike Adams.

The chief executive of not-for-profit organisation Purple said the Government’s re-launch of the scheme was providing businesses with the opportunity to look at disability differently and help them access the disability market, or “purple pound”, which is worth £212 billion a year to the UK.

The Disability Confident scheme aims to support the Government’s overall strategy to reduce the disability employment gap. It has been running since 2013 and was re-launched by the minister for disabled people, Penny Mordaunt, last November.

Ahead of the relaunch Purple carried out research revealing almost a third of businesses were uncertain about how to become involved in the scheme, while a further 30 per cent had not yet heard of it.

Purple said it believed businesses required more practical advice and guidance to transform their workplaces. To support businesses achieve Disability Confident accreditation, and the commercial benefits of doing so, Purple has recently launched a bespoke offer into the marketplace.

Mr Adams said: “Just 49 per cent of the UK’s 11.5 million disabled people are currently in work, compared to 82 per cent of non-disabled people.

“This has a real impact on the quality of life of disabled people, as well as on the British economy, which is providing financial support rather than receiving incoming funds through taxable earnings.”

Purple is working with business to develop inclusive employment strategies. For information on Purple and its research, or to download its Disability Confident brochure for business, go to wearepurple.org.uk