Introduction
Between 2023 and 2024 – 56700 people in Somerset were economically inactive, meaning not in employment or not actively seeking work. Of these, at least 16900 people are aged 16 to 64 and out of work due to long-term health conditions and/or disabilities. For many, living with a health condition or disability can make it extremely difficult to work.
To better understand these challenges, Somerset Council and Somerset Integrated Care Board (ICB) commissioned the Somerset Health Determinants Research Collaboration (HDRC) to explore the impact of long-term health conditions and disabilities on employment. The Breaking Barriers study, which ran from November 2024 to July 2025, set out to identify the barriers people face and highlight ways to support more people into meaningful work.
Through in-depth conversations with 85 local residents, the report explores the barriers people face, what helps, and what more can be done to support everyone to find, stay in, or return to work.
Key findings highlight the importance of:
- Supportive and flexible workplaces
- Person-centred approaches
- Accessible training and skills development
- Strong community and peer support
The report also shares practical recommendations for employers, training providers, and support organisations, emphasising the need for empathy, flexibility, and joined-up working to create a fairer, more inclusive employment landscape in Somerset.
Why does this matter?
Many people want to work and contribute, but face barriers that are often beyond their control. By learning from lived experience and working together, we can help break down these barriers and build a more supportive, inclusive culture for all.
For more information, contact somersetHDRC@somerset.gov.uk.
Overview
Written by Somerset HDRC in partnership with the Breaking Barriers Lived Experience Advisory Partnership (LEAP) and the Community Organisation Advisory Partnership (COAP).
November 2025.
For more information, please contact us by emailing SomersetHDRC@somerset.gov.uk
Acknowledgements
The study team would like to thank the following people, without whom this project would not have been possible.
Thank you to our Lived Experience Advisory Partnership members Anna, Deanna, Jasmine, Libby, Sara
And thank you to our Community Organisation Advisory Partnership:
- Allison Ward, Autism Community Network CIC T/A Autism Somerset
- Fiona Godbeer, Department for Work and Pensions
- Jane Knowles, Somerset Activity and Sports Partnership (SASP)
- Joseph Olubodun, Somerset Drugs and Alcohol Service (SDAS), Turning Point
- Matt Laughton, ARK at Egwood CIC
- Samantha Evans, Edventure Frome
- Siobhan Gallagher, Young Somerset
- Tracey Mock, On Your Bike
Thank you to the following Co-Research Organisations who recruited and had conversations with participants:
Our participants
Finally, thanks to all 85 participants who took part in the study. We are extremely grateful for your time, input and sharing of your experiences.
Funders of the study:
This study was funded by the Somerset Council Economy, Workforce and Skills and the Somerset Integrated Care Board (ICB). The views of participants do not necessarily reflect the views of the funders.