As reported by the Federation of Small Businesses, SMEs are key to employing disabled people and those with long-term health conditions, following the publication of the Government’s new Mayfield Review

The review examines how best to support disabled workers to stay in employment, as well as the measures employers may need to adopt to improve retention. Responding to its findings, FSB policy chair Tina McKenzie told BBC 5 Live, Times Radio and BBC News that small firms already do “a huge amount” to provide opportunities for disabled people.

However, she warned that proposals expected in the upcoming Employment Bill could unintentionally create new barriers for small employers, making it more difficult to hire people who face additional challenges accessing the labour market. McKenzie stressed that any new requirements must be proportionate and avoid placing extra administrative burdens on small firms.

The FSB is urging the Government to ensure that future legislation supports, not restricts, the ability of small businesses to offer flexible, local employment opportunities to disabled people across the UK.