ONE in two disabled people feel unsafe regarding the easing of Covid-19 restrictions in England from Monday, according to research by disability charity Scope.

Only 2 per cent of 565 people surveyed said they felt safe, while just over half said they felt anxious.

Two-thirds of respondents said they did not think disabled people had been considered by the government when it made the decision to lift restrictions.

The research found that disabled people are twice as likely as non-disabled people to continue limiting contact with friends and family after Monday.

They are also more likely to avoid public transport and restaurants and to continue social distancing, said the report.

Scope executive director James Taylor said: “We know there are some disabled people who are looking forward to things opening up and relieved to return to some sort of normality, but there are many who are feeling worried about what the future holds.

“These stark findings show that in the rush to unlock, a huge proportion of the disabled community are yet again being forgotten and left behind by government.

“What’s being dubbed ‘Freedom Day’ by some will mean the exact opposite for many disabled people, who have legitimate fears about their risk from Covid-19 as infection rates surge. We’re in danger of creating a two-tier society.

“Government guidance for clinically extremely vulnerable people has essentially advised people to continue to shield, but with any support stripped away. This lack of support will leave those most at-risk high and dry.

“We need to see much better guidance from government, and communication with disabled people.”