Disability rights - Mission report from Country Visit to France

The employment rate of persons with disabilities (PWDs) is much lower than the one of the rest of population. In addition, PWDs tend to be employed in low-skilled and low-pay jobs.

This has a cost for the individuals concerned in terms of economic and psychological wellbeing, for governments in terms of lost output and tax revenues and increased welfare payments, and for society in terms of the impact of social exclusion and discrimination on civic participation and public life.

The aim of the visit will be to look into good practice in the field of employment of PWDs in France, with a focus on disability - led businesses and social enterprises.

During the mission, the EESC delegation met representatives of national authorities, organisations representing persons with disabilities, private companies and enterprises employing PWDs.