It seems that Philip Hammond believes they are. He has been criticised after suggesting that low productivity rates in the UK could be linked to the employment of more disabled people.
The Chancellor made the claim while giving evidence to the Commons Treasury Select Committee on the 2017 Budget.
This is what he said.
“It is almost certainly the case that by increasing participation in the workforce, including far higher levels of participation by marginal groups and very high levels of engagement in the workforce, for example of disabled people – something we should be extremely proud of – may have had an impact on overall productivity measurements.”
We have contacted his office and wait and see if there is clarification of his thoughts.