Labour market participation and health: contrasting early-life onset disabilities to those acquired in adulthood

People with disabilities in Northern Ireland and elsewhere, face less favourable outcomes in comparison to those without disabilities. These include higher levels of unemployment[1], employment in lower-paying jobs¹ and poorer mental health outcomes[2].

The majority of evidence in Northern Ireland regarding employment and health outcomes for people with a disability relies on cross-sectional snapshots from population surveys and Census data.  However, limited research exists on the long‑term health and employment outcomes for individuals and their families who experience disability either in childhood or later in adulthood (e.g. as a result of an accident or illness). This proposal aims to bridge this gap by using the Northern Ireland longitudinal Study (NILS) to comprehensively examine participation of disabled people in the labour market, examining potential changes in their experiences over time.

This research will uncover fresh perspectives that can benefit employers and policy makers in narrowing the disability employment gap. Research findings will be valuable in informing interventions to support people with disabilities in obtaining, maintaining, and progressing in employment.

[1]  Disability within the Northern Ireland Labour Market

[2] The Mental Health of People with Disabilities | CDC