Few disabled people in work in Belgium’s private sector
The share of people with disabilities working in Belgium’s private sector has barely changed in the past decade, according to new figures.
Data from HR services firm Acerta, based on more than 29,000 employers, shows that just 0.22 per cent of private-sector workers have a physical, mental, sensory or intellectual disability. That is around one in 448 employees.
That figure has remained largely unchanged for 10 years. After a brief rise to 0.25 per cent in 2023, it has since fallen back to levels last seen in 2016.
There are notable regional differences. Brussels performs best, with 0.34 per cent of workers having a disability, followed by Wallonia at 0.29 per cent. Flanders lags behind at 0.19 per cent, despite the introduction of support subsidies in 2023.
Flexible roles
Experts say the type of jobs available may help explain the gap. Service and financial sectors, which are strongly represented in Brussels, tend to employ more people with disabilities. Better public transport in the capital may also play a role.
Company size also matters. Smaller firms employ a higher share of disabled workers than larger businesses, possibly because roles are more flexible and easier to adapt.
Overall, Belgium continues to fall behind its European neighbours, according to newspaper De Tijd. In 2025, around 45 per cent of people with disabilities were in work, compared with 78 per cent of those without. The 33-point gap is well above the European average of 24 .
Advocates say barriers begin early in the hiring process, with rigid recruitment practices and employer uncertainty limiting opportunities. While support measures exist, experts argue that a broader shift in attitudes is needed to improve inclusion in the workplace.
© CHRISTOPHE ARCHAMBAULT / AFP
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