Below follows the GDRF's International Workers Day statement:

International Workers Day is a day to celebrate all working people around the world. The Gibraltar  Disability Rights Federation would this year like to take the opportunity to mark the significance of  this day to highlight the need to continue to work towards the creation of more accessible  workspaces, work opportunities and a more inclusive economy.  

A large section of our working age population is being discriminated against when it comes to  accessible jobs, business opportunities and livelihoods. This is true globally, and it is no different in  Gibraltar. We must work to make further advancements in this regard both in the private and public  sector. International figures suggest that persons with disabilities are 2 to 3 times more likely to be  unemployed than those who do not have a disability. Figures provided by the United Nations reveal  similar patterns across the globe – persons with disabilities are more likely to face unemployment  and barriers to employment. Negative attitudes and perceptions, inaccessibility, lack of further  education, lack of vocational pathways and job training opportunities, lack of personal assistance  and workplace adjustments are some of the many barriers that lead to this reality.  

Persons with disabilities or additional needs have the desire and the right to work but, on many  occasions, far too many barriers stand in the way. This makes no moral, social or economic sense, it  is a human rights issue that must be addressed. The GDRF calls for a well thought out approach and  plan to implement sustainable work opportunities for persons with disabilities that aim to tackle all the different barriers that persons with disabilities face. The GDRF also calls on legislative reforms in  this regard, that would be covered in a large part by a closer and more accurate implementation of  the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the legislative changes that should  hopefully follow from this.  

The GDRF, which is the first Disability Federation of its kind in Gibraltar, bringing together 10  different groups all affected by disability or equality in some way, will continue to engage with all  relevant stakeholders to build productive working relationships centred around building more  inclusive workplace environments and finding sustainable ways to eliminate the barriers that many  encounter. 

The GDRF and all its member groups take this opportunity to thank all the hard working and  dedicated individuals working within this field, the list is endless, ranging from Therapists, Health  Professionals, Social Workers, Care Workers, Teaching Professionals, and others Public and Private  Sector workers.. We also thank all the public and private sector establishments and their workers  who support NGO’s and local groups in raising awareness on Disability Rights issues, Acceptance, and Inclusion all throughout the year. Together we can all make a positive change!

We wish you all a Happy International Workers Day.