Whereas some people are disabled from birth, others acquire disability later in life. Some disabilities are easier to identify: individuals may use wheelchairs, walking sticks or the aid of a guide dog. However, disabilities are more widespread than people tend to think because there are conditions, illnesses and injuries that can result in a hidden/invisible disability. They include but are not limited to brain injuries, diabetes, heart and lung conditions, mental illnesses, some sensory impairments and chronic pain.

The equality act and the definition of disability

A disability is one of the protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010, which legally protects people from discrimination in the workplace and in wider society.

The definition of disability for the purposes of the Act is "a physical or mental impairment which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on a person's ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities". A long-term effect means that it had lasted, or being likely to last for at least 12 months, or likely to last for the rest of someone's life.

Cancer, multiple sclerosis, HIV and sight impairment certified by ophthalmologist as severely sight impaired, sight impaired, blind and partially sighted are automatically considered as a disability.

UK statistics on disability

Twenty-one per cent 14.1 million of people in the UK reported a disability in 2018/19, which increased by 19 per cent 11.3 million from 2008/09.

According to the 2019/2020 statistics, the first three prevalent impairments in the UK are mobility conditions, linked to stamina/breathing/fatigue and mental health.  

Work-related ill health cases new or long-standing

HSE statistics show that 1.6 million workers are injured or made ill by their work in Great Britain.

Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, work-related stress, anxiety and depression were ranked the highest on the list. Anxiety and depression are the most common mental health problems. If the stress including work-related stress is prolonged, it can lead to physical as well as psychological negative impact. The occupations, which had the highest prevalence were:

• electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply
• public admin/defence
• human health/social work
• education