Across the SEEDA region a conservative estimate* of the labour force 16+ who are employed, unemployed or economically inactive represents 5,103,000 of which 899,000 (over 17.5% of the labour force) are economically inactive (neither employed or unemployed) 163,000 (over 3% of the labour force) registered unemployed and a further 118,000 (over 2.3% of the labour force) of whom are on Incapacity Benefit.
Utilising the Employers Forum on Disability “Iceberg Model” 21.2% of the economically inactive would like to work or are actively seeking work which equates to 190,600 of which 13% would enter self-employment or 24,800 people. Even if one takes just the Incapacity Benefit figure as a measure of disability rather than the economically inactive it means that 3,252 people on this benefit would enter self-employment at an estimated saving to the exchequer of £33.5** million per annum.
* National Audit Office – Department for Work and Pensions Gaining and Retaining a Job The Department for Work and Pensions’ support for disabled people Report by the Comptroller and Auditor General – HC 455 Session 2005 – 2006 – 13th of October 2005 (figures taken at January to March 2004)
** Estimated on a net benefit saving per head of £10,300 to include all benefit, (Housing Benefit, Council Tax Exemption etc. less any “In-Work Benefits)
