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John Hutton speaks at ‘Realising potential’ launch

6th July 2006

John Hutton described the ‘Realising potential: Disability Confidence builds better business' report and website as ‘essential reading for businesses', at the official launch held by Employers' Forum on Disability (EFD).

The Work and Pensions Secretary was speaking at the Garden of Museum History in front of EFD members, business leaders and disabled people, as http://www.realising-potential.org/ went officially live.

Hutton went on to say: "'Realising potential is a hugely important contribution to the debate about disability issues in the UK and brings together a lot of information and insight.

"I believe this publication, and the website, can help business and disabled people work together."

In one of her first speeches as the Government's new Disability Tsar, Nicola Smith said: "Disabled people need real jobs. They need the same choices as everyone else.

"'Realising potential' can give business the information they need to be disability aware."

EFD chief executive Susan Scott-Parker also introduced John Bamsey, Chief Operating Officer of InterContinental Hotels Group, who supported the publication of the report.

Bamsey said he was ‘proud to support EFD', adding: "'Realising potential' should open the eyes and ears of those who don't yet have the message about disability confidence."

Ends

Notes to editors

Media enquiries, please contact:

Brenda Otema, Communications & Marketing Officer
Employers' Forum on Disability
Email: brenda.otema@efd.org.uk
Telephone: 020 7403 3020

About Employers' Forum on Disability

Employers' Forum on Disability is the employers' organisation focused on disability as it affects employers and service providers. With over 300 members, EFD represents organisations that employ around 20 per cent of the UK workforce.Since its establishment in 1991, EFD has worked closely with government and other stakeholders, sharing best practice to make it easier to employ disabled people and serve disabled customers.

www.efd.org.uk