EFHOH has joined over 125 organisations in calling on the European Commission to introduce a Disability Employment and Skills Guarantee as part of the upcoming enhanced EU Disability Rights Strategy.
Led by the European Disability Forum, the joint call was addressed to Executive Vice-President Roxana Mînzatu and Commissioner Hadja Lahbib ahead of the presentation of the updated Strategy at the College of Commissioners meeting on 6 May.
Across the EU, persons with disabilities continue to face significant barriers to employment. Currently, only 52.7% are employed, compared to 76.7% of persons without disabilities. These gaps are driven by limited access to reasonable accommodation, insufficient availability of assistive technology, and lower levels of digital skills.
The proposed Guarantee aims to address these challenges through targeted EU and national funding, including:
- Access to mainstream employment, apprenticeships, and training opportunities
- Jobs in the open labour market, rather than in sheltered workshops
- Support for employers to provide reasonable accommodation
- Recognition and certification of skills acquired through participation
Importantly, the proposal also stresses that participation in the scheme should not affect access to disability allowances or other forms of support.
By joining this call, EFHOH supports stronger EU action to promote inclusive employment and ensure equal access to opportunities for persons with disabilities across Europe.
Read the full call here.
Find the joint letter here.
