Two thirds of New Zealanders with an intellectual disability can't find work, report finds
A report has found two thirds of New Zealanders with an intellectual disability can't find work, despite many wanting a job and having the skills to back it up.
A recent report reveals that two thirds of New Zealanders with intellectual disabilities are unable to secure employment, despite possessing the skills and desire to work. The research, conducted by the IHC and based on existing Household Labour Force Survey data, highlights the significant employment gap. A staggering 67 percent of individuals with intellectual disabilities are not in the workforce at all, compared to just 16 percent of the general population.
IHC senior advocate Shara Turner shared her insights, noting that those who do work often feel they could do more. Once given the opportunity, many report that working improves their lives. Turner also pointed out that during economic downturns, people with intellectual disabilities are disproportionately affected, unlike during the COVID-19 pandemic when government intervention helped retain their jobs.
While those employed often desire more working hours (24 percent want more compared to 12 percent of the general population), they tend to earn less. Nearly 60 percent of working individuals with intellectual disabilities earn below the minimum wage, a legal exemption in New Zealand for employees with disabilities.
Alice Matthews, an IHC employee with an intellectual disability, emphasized the life-changing impact of having a job. It had been four years since Matthews was last employed, and finding her current role has been transformative for her and her family. She urged businesses to give individuals with disabilities a chance, stating that every person needs a purpose, and once given a chance, they demonstrate remarkable potential.
Written by urgent.news from RNZ Business's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
