Although companies are chronically understaffed, people with disabilities are still often unable to find a job. Last year, the number of people with disabilities who went to work decreased by 3,400 compared to the previous year. This is evidenced by the new figures released by Cedris, the association that advocates for an inclusive labor market.

Of the 260,000 people with disabilities who were registered in a special register last year to find work, nearly half of the 125,000 people failed to find work in a social development company. These are companies that specialize in helping people with disabilities find and keep a job.

The companies receive help from the municipalities, but according to Sideris, they operate very differently. Some municipalities offer much more support than others. The organization reports a worrying picture.

“With the stark shortage of manpower, it is unjustified for a group to involuntarily stand on the sidelines due to a lack of guidance,” says Chairman Mohamed El-Moqaddam. It is noteworthy that the matter depends on the political will of the municipality regarding the options available to people.

Cedris is also upset that those who do get a job earn little because they cannot work full time due to their disability. On average, people work 28.7 hours per week, which means they earn 445 euros less per month than the minimum wage, according to the organisation. “These employees also deserve to live without financial worries,” the presenter emphasizes.