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DIFF Annual Review: Disability Inclusion Essential for True Diversity

The Diversity and Inclusivity Finance Forum (DIFF) Annual Review has emphasised that UK businesses must include disability in their diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) strategies to achieve meaningful progress. The review highlighted that only 4% of companies offer goods and services for the disabled community, despite 95% of firms claiming to focus on diversity.

Actor and TV presenter Adam Pearson, speaking at the event, noted that the “purple pound”—the disposable income of the disabled community in the UK—is worth £274 billion. He pointed out that companies whose products and services are not suitable for people with disabilities risk missing out on this significant market.

Pearson stated that if firms are not addressing disability, they are not truly embracing diversity, but are instead becoming “diverse-ish,” which he described as ineffective. He also discussed the challenges within DE&I conversations, noting that fear of saying the wrong thing can prevent meaningful action and progress.

Pearson addressed common biases, such as affinity bias and perception bias, which can influence how people approach diversity and disability. He encouraged businesses to reflect on their own feelings and assumptions, and to recognise that people with disabilities have varied experiences and needs.

For letting agents and inventory clerks, Pearson’s comments are particularly relevant when considering workplace accessibility and the inclusivity of job application processes. He questioned whether job applications are accessible to people with disabilities, such as those with dyslexia, and whether premises are wheelchair accessible, including whether two wheelchairs can pass each other in a corridor.

Pearson concluded that it is no longer enough to simply employ disabled people; businesses should focus on supporting disabled talent in building careers. He urged firms to move beyond discussion and take practical steps to ensure their services, workplaces, and recruitment processes are accessible to all.