EFD welcomes inclusive approach of new government strategy on learning disability

19th January 2009

EFD today (19 January) applauds the government's approach to raising the employment rate of people with a learning disability, following the publication of ‘Valuing People Now', its new strategy for learning disability.

‘Valuing People Now - A Three Year Strategy for People with Learning Disabilities', aims to improve services for people with learning disabilities across health, housing, employment and community care services. The strategy follows a comprehensive consultation involving more than 10,000 people.

EFD's Chief Executive Susan Scott-Parker said: "Many people with a learning disability of working age want to work, yet only 17% do. We welcome the government's decision not to consider employment in isolation, but to look at factors like the delivery of social care, available support and benefits.

"This is more likely to deliver change, as many of the barriers to employment individuals and employers face are things like the delivery of social care and benefits rules. Training is also crucial so that staff are confident in working with colleagues, customers and patients with learning disabilities.

"Any work needs to be credible in the eyes of employers as well as disabled people. We are encouraged by the willingness shown by government departments to talk to employers and get a sense of the barriers they face in employing people with a learning disability.

"The government, employers and disability groups need to work together to ensure this strategy helps employers realise the potential of people with learning disabilities."

Ends

Notes to editors

EFD worked with government via the Learning Disability Task Force to inform these proposals, and has produced Valued in Public, a practical guide on how to recruit disabled people. Contact us for your copy of this free publication.

Valuing People Now aligns with the Public Service Agreement (PSA) 16 target to get more people with moderate to severe learning disabilities into work. EFD is working with the Department of Health, Cabinet Office and the Valuing People Support Team on helping local authorities meet PSA 16.

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