Disabled people’s chances of being in work vary significantly according to their type of disability, says a report from the Office of National Statistics released in advance of last Saturday’s International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

Between April and June 2011, employment among those with a disability that limits their day-to-day activities ranged from 72% for those with skin conditions, disfigurements or allergies to 12% for those with severe learning difficulties.

Overall, 46% of people with disabilities affecting their day-to-day activities were in work, out of 7.1m nationlly, compared to 76% of those without disabilities.

Higher employment rates were also seen among those with diabetes (62%), heart, blood or circulatory problems (58%), while 14% of people with mental illnesses or nervous disorders and 27% of people with depression or anxiety were employed.