Advocacy Paper: Access To Persons With Disabilities And Older Persons To The Labor Market [EN/TR] – Türkiye

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Türkiye Context for Persons with Disabilities and Older Persons

• According to the Turkish Statistical Institute (TURKSTAT), there were approximately 8.3 million people with disabilities in Türkiye as of 2020, representing around 10% of the population. This diverse group includes persons with physical, sensory, intellectual, or psychosocial disabilities, each facing unique challenges in accessing employment opportunities in Türkiye.

• Despite legal protection, the employment rate among persons with disabilities in Türkiye remains significantly lower than the national average. According to TÜİK, the employment rate among persons with disabilities was only 29.5% in 2020, compared to 46.7% for the general population.

• Access to education and vocational training is crucial for improving employment outcomes for persons with disabilities in Türkiye. However, data from TÜİK indicates disparities in educational attainment, with lower levels of schooling among persons with disabilities compared to the general population.

• Inadequate accessibility in public infrastructure, transportation, and digital platforms poses significant barriers for persons with disabilities. Without accessible environments and assistive technologies, individuals may face difficulties accessing workplaces and participating fully in economic activities.

• Persons with disabilities in Türkiye often experience economic disadvantage, including higher rates of poverty and limited access to financial resources. Socioeconomic barriers, such as lack of access to affordable healthcare and social protection, can exacerbate inequalities and hinder employment opportunities.

• Person with disabilities face with different levels of discrimination in the labor market, starting from the job announcement throughout the hiring process, such as the call for interviews, and prejudgment on their capacities, productivity, and skills.

• Over the past decade, Türkiye’s older population has surged, growing by 49% from 5,327,736 individuals in 2010 to 7,953,555 in 2020. This demographic shift has been significant, with the proportion of older persons in the total population rising to 9.5% in 2020, a 2.4-fold increase since 1935. Projections indicate a continued upward trend, with the older population expected to reach 25.6% of the total by 2080.

• Türkiye faces challenges related to informal employment and informal caregiving responsibilities, particularly for older women. Informal employment often lacks social security protections and pension benefits, contributing to financial insecurity in old age.

• Age discrimination in the workplace remains a significant barrier for older workers in Türkiye. Negative stereotypes about older workers’ productivity and adaptability can lead to hiring biases and limited job opportunities for older persons.

• Türkiye’s social security system may not adequately address the needs of older persons, particularly those facing health challenges or caregiving responsibilities. Inadequate pension benefits and lack of access to affordable healthcare can contribute to financial insecurity and early exit from the labor market.

• Pension reform and social security systems are critical for ensuring the economic well-being of older persons in Türkiye. Efforts to expand coverage, improve benefit adequacy, and address gender disparities in pension eligibility can enhance the retirement security of older host communities. This initiative should also encompass engaging with organizations of persons with disabilities and older persons to understand their challenges, gather their insights, and collaboratively develop solutions to address their needs.