FIGURES produced by the GMB union from the 2001 Census show that there are 25,692 working age people in Bolton with a limiting long term illness.
The statistic is contained in a new report produced for the GMB National Disability Conference in Manchester.
The union says there are 4,332,572 people of working age in England and Wales who have long term illnesses, health problems or disabilities that limit their daily activities or work.
Paul Kenny, a GMB senior official and a member of the TUC General Council, said: "Everything that can be done shdould be done to maximise the inclusion of this significant minority into society and the workplace. We need their contribution."
In the North-west the figure is 275,183.
He added: "It is essential given the scale, diversity of conditions and the variations that prevail that policy makers engage with the local disability bodies to agree how to increase inclusion."
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