Office-based companies such as insurers and brokers are well placed to employ more disabled people, according to Suncorp.

Research shows workers with disabilities have much lower absenteeism, good or superior safety records, equal or greater productivity and make less use of personal leave than other colleagues.

“Despite the evidence that people with disabilities are productive, safe and reliable, for many employers this sector is simply not on the radar when it comes time to recruit,” Suncorp Commercial EGM Statutory Portfolio Chris McHugh said.

He says disabled people make excellent staff and smart employers are “waking up to the fact”.

The low employment rate of disabled people was discussed at Suncorp’s latest traumatic injury and disability summit.