The Apprentice is back on television screens for its 10th series but there has never been a visibly disabled person in the programme. Why?

Why has there never been a disabled candidate in The Apprentice? Over the years The Apprentice has ensured an incredibly diverse group of candidates.

There’s always been a 50/50 gender split between men and women and a broad range of religions, sexualities, races and social backgrounds.

But disabilities do not get the same level of representation in the programme, there has never been a wheelchair user, deaf person or any visibly disabled person in the ten series.

With news that Conservative minister Lord Freud was recorded saying some disabled people were “not worth” the minimum wage, and at a time when many disabled people are being encouraged into work, it is arguably more important than ever that disabled people are given an opportunity to show they can be good workers who can compete in the jobs market.

“The truth is that there are loads of successful disabled businesspeople out there, and The Apprentice should be reflecting that,” says Kath Sutherland, who runs START Ability Services, a business that gives advice to disabled entrepreneurs.

Disabled candidate more likely to be self employed than non-disabled people

The aim of The Apprentice is to identify the most talented entrepreneurs from all over the UK. However, employment data suggests that disabled individuals are more likely to be self-employed than those without disabilities. In fact, the percentage of disabled people who are self-employed is 17%, while the percentage for non-disabled people is 14%, which means that there is a significant number of disabled entrepreneurs out there.

Disabled people are more likely to be self-employed than non-disabled people

Susan Scott-Parker, chief executive of the Disability Business Forum, says this should be reflected in a programme such as The Apprentice.

“Having a visibly disabled person represented on The Apprentice could only have a positive impact on wider perceptions of disabled people in the workplace,” she says. “With disabled people constituting more than 19% of Britain’s working-age population, it would send a message that disability should never be a barrier to a successful career.”

To read the full article please visit the BBC Website at:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/blogs-ouch-29535198

Further information and Guidance on Disability

Disability in the Workplace – The Law
Disability in the Workplace – HSE

Disability Discrimination
Disability Discrimination – ACAS