The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued an update addressing concerns around the impact of job interview formats on disabled applicants. The issue gained attention following a parliamentary inquiry by Shivani Raja, MP for Leicester East, who questioned whether competency-based interviews might disadvantage disabled job-seekers.
Responding this week, Andrew Western, Minister of State at the DWP, acknowledged the need for reasonable adjustments in recruitment to ensure fairness and accessibility. He outlined that the department encourages practices such as providing interview questions in advance, using clear language, and allowing flexibility in assessment methods where appropriate.
Furthermore, Minister Western highlighted the ongoing Learning Disabilities Project, which collaborates with employers and specialist organisations to identify and overcome recruitment barriers. This initiative aims to develop practical guidance that fosters more inclusive employment opportunities for individuals with learning disabilities.
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While the minister did not explicitly state whether competency-based interviews disadvantage disabled candidates, the response emphasised the DWP’s commitment to supporting equitable hiring practices.
Earlier in the year, the DWP announced several measures to enhance support for disabled individuals. Notably, over 4,000 DWP healthcare professionals have completed part of the Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training programme. Named after a young man with autism and learning disabilities who tragically passed in 2016 following inappropriate treatment, this training was established to equip staff with skills to safely support autistic people and those with learning disabilities.
The programme addresses issues such as “diagnostic overshadowing,” where symptoms are mistakenly attributed to a person’s disability rather than appropriately investigated, ensuring individuals receive timely and accurate support. It also provides practical tools to make meaningful reasonable adjustments, enabling people with learning disabilities and autism to better navigate the benefits system.
These efforts reflect the DWP’s ongoing commitment to creating a more inclusive and supportive recruitment environment for disabled job-seekers.