Fewer remote jobs could shut people with disability out of work
A UK study has found declining remote job opportunities could increase unemployment among disabled workers. In Australia, employment data and new research show remote and hybrid work has helped boost workforce participation for people living with disability — and why protecting flexibility matters.
A new UK study has raised concerns that fewer remote jobs could make it harder for people living with disability to find and keep work.
Research from the Work Foundation at Lancaster University found that more than eight in 10 disabled jobseekers said working from home was essential or very important when looking for a new job. Almost half wanted to work remotely all the time.
The study also found that fully remote roles in the UK have fallen sharply since the pandemic peak. Researchers warned this trend could push disabled workers out of employment if flexibility continues to shrink.
The employment gap in Australia remains significant
In Australia, people living with disability are far less likely to be employed than people without disability.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics 2022 Survey of Disability, Ageing and Carers:
- 56.1% of working-age people with disability were employed
- 82.3% of people without disability were employed
- The unemployment rate for people with disability was 7.3%
- The unemployment rate for people without disability was 3.1%
The employment gap has existed for decades. Remote work changed part of that picture.
Remote work has increased participation
Remote and hybrid work remain common in Australia.
The ABS reports that 36% of employed Australians usually worked from home in August 2025.
Indeed’s Hiring Lab found 14.3% of Australian job postings in August 2024 mentioned remote work. That is roughly three times higher than pre-pandemic levels.
Research from the Committee for Economic Development of Australia shows participation in jobs that allow working from home increased by nearly six percentage points for people with disability or a health condition between 2019 and 2022.
When access to remote work increased, workforce participation increased.
Remote work supports health and productivity
Research from the University of New South Wales found almost two-thirds of disabled employees reported being more productive working from home. Many reported improvements in mental health and reduced fatigue.
For many people living with disability, working from home reduces:
- Transport barriers
- Fatigue from commuting
- Stress linked to inaccessible workplaces
- Time spent managing health conditions
For some workers, it determines whether employment is possible.
Legal protections exist
Under Australia’s Fair Work laws, employees living with disability have the right to request flexible working arrangements, including remote work.
Employers must consider requests. They may refuse on reasonable business grounds.
Why this matters
Australia’s Department of Social Services National Disability Strategy 2021–2031 identifies employment as a key priority.
Remote and hybrid work expanded employment access for people living with disability. The UK data shows what happens when remote-only roles decline quickly.
Flexibility increases participation. Reduced flexibility increases exclusion.
For many Australians living with disability and their families, working from home is not a preference. It is access.