Misunderstood | 37% of workers haven't disclosed an invisible disability to their employer

More than two-in-three (67%) UK workers with invisible disabilities feel it’s left up to them to seek support and reasonable adjustments at work, according to a new report from INvolve.

Over half (58%) feel that invisible disabilities aren’t prioritised in the same way other conditions are, while 37% haven’t disclosed their disability due to fear of discrimination and a lack of support. Out of the respondents, half cited the difficulty of securing adequate support as the main reason they feel it’s not worth seeking it out.

As businesses are put under more economic pressure, most have been forced to withdraw funds from employee support, 38% of workers said budget cuts meant they aren’t getting the support they need.

“Businesses must do better to ensure that employees have reasonable adjustments in place and the right infrastructure to enable them to fulfil their job roles and progress within their careers,” says Suki Sandhu OBE, founder and CEO of INvolve, a diversity and inclusion consultancy. “The workplace must be accessible for everyone, and it is saddening and infuriating that so many employees across the globe are unable to achieve their career potential due to serious lapses in a business’ ability to support them.”