New government’s plans for Access to Work could be good news for disabled employees and employers

20th May 2010

The government’s new approach to supporting disabled people at work could make it easier for employers to make the most of the talents of disabled people, according to Employers' Forum on Disability (EFD).

The coalition government today (20 May) published its programme for government, which will see the reform of the Access to Work (AtW) programme so that disabled applicants can apply for jobs with funding already secured.

Delivered by JobCentre Plus, AtW provides practical advice and support to disabled people and their employers to help remove barriers to finding and keeping a job.

Susan Scott-Parker, chief executive of EFD, said: “This change of approach in Access to Work could be good news for both disabled employees and employers.

“Any plans to reduce unemployment need to consider the needs of disabled people, who are more than twice as likely as non-disabled people to be out of work and claiming benefits.

“This proposed change to Access to Work should give employers more confidence in recruiting disabled people, as well as giving disabled jobseekers more confidence when applying for work.

“Both parties will know that the right workplace support is available, making it easier for disabled people to demonstrate their skills.

“We look forward to working with our members and government partners to help ensure the Access to Work programme remains a success for both disabled people and employers.”

Ends

Notes to editors

Briefing on the programme for government

Other disability, customer and employment related policy announcements include:

•    All existing welfare to work programmes will end and be replaced with a single welfare to work programme to help people back to work. Job Seeker’s Allowance claimants with the most significant barriers to work will be put on the new welfare to work programme immediately, rather than after 12 months.

•    All current Employment Support Allowance (formerly Incapacity Benefit) claimants will be re-assessed for their readiness to work and potentially moved onto Job Seeker’s Allowance.

•    Credit card companies will be obliged to provide better information to their customers in a uniform electronic format so consumers know whether they are getting the best deal

•    The number and cost of quangos will significantly reduced.

•    However, the Care Quality Commission’s role will be strengthened so it becomes a quality inspectorate.

•    The right to request flexible working will be extended to all employees.

•    Roll-out of personal budgets will be increased.

•    Government procurement will be opened up and government ICT contracts will be published online.

•    There will be better recording of hate crimes against disabled people, which is likely to involve some sort of central recording of data.

•    There will be extra support for disabled people who want to be MPs, councillors or other elected officials.

•    There will be a full Comprehensive Spending Review in Autumn 2010.

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