This is an absolute disgrace. Ireland currently has one of the worst disability employment records in the entire EU, with less than half of working-age people with disabilities holding jobs. People with disabilities and neurodivergent individuals have just as much talent, capability, and value to offer as anyone else. Shutting them out of the workforce due to fear is nothing short of discrimination. A new survey of 150 employers conducted by Now Group highlights the systemic barriers candidates face: Fewer than 1 in 10 employers report feeling "very confident" about hiring neurodivergent people or individuals with disabilities. More than 50% of employers feel only "a little" or "not at all" equipped to recruit and support neurodivergent employees and workers with disabilities. 85% of autistic people are currently unemployed or underemployed, according to figures from AsIAm. 25% of employers cite fear of being "insensitive," while almost 20% say they wouldn't know how to provide basic workplace accommodations. Fear of "getting it wrong" or finding support needs "overwhelming" cannot remain an acceptable excuse to deny people their livelihood. Businesses need talent, yet thousands of capable individuals are left struggling just to get a fair shot. It is time for employers to stop letting fear dictate hiring practices, dismantle this discrimination, and actively open their doors. #DisabilityRights# #InclusionMatters# #Neurodiversity# #EqualOpportunities# #IrelandJobs# #WorkplaceInclusion#