Six government research reports have provided strong evidence of the huge barriers that prevent many young disabled people from moving into work, training or education.

They show that – contrary to hostile rhetoric in the mainstream media, and among some MPs and ministers – there are good reasons to explain the significant number of young disabled people who are receiving out-of-work disability benefits.

One of the government reports analyses findings from a survey of more than 400 young people who were not in education, employment or training (NEET), and it found most young disabled people with high support needs believed they would eventually move into work, education or training.

Although 84 per cent of the NEET young people surveyed said they wanted to be in employment, education or training, health was a “major barrier” to many of them.