Clearer advice on employing disabled people needed by employers, says EFD
10th March 2008
Employers' Forum on Disability (EFD) today (Monday) called on government to make Access to Work funding more accessible for public and private sector employers. EFD also wants to see more consistent advice given to employers across the UK on employment and disability, and requirements for all welfare- to-work providers to demonstrate best practice on employing disabled people.
The calls come as part of the response to the DWP's consultation on improving specialist disability employment services. EFD has canvassed the opinion of its 400 plus employer members to identify what does and does not work for employers in the current system.
"There is room for improvement in the Access to Work scheme and employers have welcomed the chance to input into government policy on employment and disability," said Susan Scott-Parker, CEO of EFD.
"Access to Work helps 24,000 employees get funding for adjustments that help them work. However, not enough employers know about the scheme or the advice they can get through it. We're working with DWP to see how it can be better publicised.
"There is concern from our public sector employers that government is looking at removing Access to Work funding from employees in the public sector. Employers need support in identifying the best reasonable adjustment for the individual and, where necessary, additional funding to get that adjustment. Some employees may be prevented from working in the public sector if Access to Work funding is taken away from them.
"We want to see more clarity and consistency of support across the system, not different levels of service for different employers. This will only add to the confusion".
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Notes to editors
Media enquiries, please contact:
Liz Nightingale, Communications Manager
Employers' Forum on Disability
Email: liz.nightingale@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 400 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.