ILO Working Paper 124

A study on the employment and wage outcomes of people with disabilities

This study investigates the employment and wage disparities between people with and without disabilities.

The study shows that individuals with disabilities are less likely to participate in the labour market, and that when they do, they face higher unemployment rates, are more likely to be self-employed and tend to earn lower wages. These disparities do not appear to be explained solely by individual characteristics such as educational attainment, experience or occupational category. They are most likely driven by various other factors as well, including limited provision of workplace accommodations in many firms, the potentially greater job flexibility offered by self-employment, and discrimination against people with disabilities. In its final section, the study highlights legal frameworks established at the international and national levels to promote equal opportunities and fair remuneration for people with disabilities.

Additional details

Author(s)

  • Sevane Ananian
  • Giulia Dellaferrera
New ILO working paper exposes significant ‘disability wage gap’
Woman with disability working on computer with prosthetic arm

New ILO working paper exposes significant ‘disability wage gap’

Disability and work
Nguyen Thi Thanh Hieu is one of the 25 workers with disabilities featured in a photo exhibition titled Live and Work

Disability and work