The Government said the scheme, which was launched by the previous Government in 2016, had delivered huge variations of support across different UK regions, often overlooking specific local needs and priorities.

Minister for social security and disability, Sir Stephen Timms, said: ‘Disability Confident - with around 19,000 employers signed up - has enormous potential. For too long, though, it has not delivered enough support for disabled people, or for employers who want to recruit, retain and develop disabled people.

‘That's why we are improving the scheme, through robust reforms to ensure a better service for all, including through greater support for SMEs and improving access to resources for employers.'

The reforms include:

• reducing the time employers can remain at the entry level from three years to two, and removing the option for them to renew at this level to encourage employers to progress up the scheme
• tailoring support for SMEs to their needs and capabilities, so that businesses of all sizes can benefit
• connecting employers together so that they can access peer-to-peer support and share good practice, with practical resources so that they can tap into the scheme's full potential
• reflecting the views and voices of disabled people throughout the scheme so that guidance reflects real experiences.