Finding Jobs for People with Disabilities in Europe

If you’re living in Europe and looking for mainstream employment as a person with a disability, you’re not alone. Many people with disabilities face similar challenges, but there is support available to help you succeed.

Barriers You Might Face

• The Disability Employment Gap The difference in employment rates between people with and without disabilities is significant. On average, the gap in Europe is about 24 percentage points. In some countries, such as Ireland, Belgium, and Bulgaria, the gap is as wide as 33 to 40 percentage points​ (EconStor)​ (European Disability Forum).

• Lack of Reasonable Accommodation Many employers still fail to provide reasonable accommodations, such as flexible work hours or accessible workplaces. This can prevent you from getting or keeping a job​ (European Disability Forum).

• Structural Bias People with disabilities often face discrimination during hiring processes and even after securing employment. Many report being overlooked for promotions or paid less, even when doing similar work​ (European Disability Forum).

• Education Barriers A significant factor contributing to unemployment among people with disabilities is the education gap. Many people with disabilities, especially in lower-income EU countries, face barriers in accessing quality education, which in turn affects their job prospects​ (EconStor).

Support Available

• European Union (EU) Laws The EU’s Employment Equality Directive requires all member states to ensure that people with disabilities have equal access to employment. Employers are obligated to make reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities to work effectively. However, enforcement varies between countries​ (European Disability Forum).

• Disability Allowances Some EU countries allow you to retain your disability allowance even if you are working, which can help cover the higher costs of living with a disability, like transportation and personal assistance​ (European Disability Forum).

• Training and Skills Programs Many countries offer skills training and employment programs specifically for people with disabilities. These programs aim to help you gain the education or skills needed to enter the job market. For example, the European Disability Forum advocates for a Disability Employment and Skills Guarantee to bridge the skills gap​ (European Disability Forum).

• Inclusive Policies Several European countries have implemented inclusive employment policies, such as quotas that require a certain percentage of the workforce in larger companies to be made up of people with disabilities. In countries like Germany, companies are penalized if they do not meet these quotas ​(European Disability Forum).

Practical Tips for Job Seekers

• Set up Job Alerts on Evenbreak: Set up job alerts so you can be informed when your ideal jobs are advertized.

• Know Your Rights: Be aware of the laws in your country that protect your right to work. The EU Employment Equality Directive is a good starting point.

• Seek Out Support: Governments and NGOs in many countries offer support in the form of job placement services, training programs, and financial assistance. Look for programs in your country.

• Ask for Accommodations: Don’t be afraid to request reasonable accommodations from employers. These might include modified workstations, flexible hours, or assistive technology.

• Consider Remote Work: Remote work options have increased due to the pandemic, which can be particularly beneficial if you have accessibility needs that make commuting difficult.

• Local support: Find our article listing local support organizations

In conclusion, while the barriers to employment for people with disabilities in Europe are still significant, there are programs and policies in place to support your journey into the workforce. By knowing your rights, seeking out available resources, and advocating for yourself, you can improve your chances of finding fulfilling work.