Northern Ireland · Census 2021
38.3%disabled employment rate
The employment rate reported for disabled people aged 16 to 64 in Census 2021 analysis.
Census analysis shows the largest reported disability employment gap among the nation figures on this hub. Its date and method differ from the survey estimates used elsewhere.
The key figures
What the evidence shows.
These figures keep their original geography, period and definition attached. Follow each source to see the full release.
Read the sourceNISRA Census 2021 analysis
Northern Ireland · Census 2021
85.9%non-disabled employment rate
The comparison rate reported for non-disabled people in the same analysis.
Northern Ireland · Census 2021
47.6percentage-point employment gap
The difference between the disabled and non-disabled employment rates.
Use with care: These figures come from Census 2021, not the Annual Population Survey used for the other nation summaries. They provide valuable context but should not be treated as a direct league-table comparison.
What this means for Speak To Me
Data shows the barrier. People show us how to change it.
A national percentage cannot tell us what one person wants or needs. Speak directly to disabled people, give them time to answer and include lived experience when decisions are made.
- Speak to the person, not around them.
- Ask what accessible communication looks like for them.
- Build employment pathways with disabled people, not for them.
Official evidence
Sources for Northern Ireland.
Explore the full picture.