More employment help needed for disabled people, says expert

23rd November 2009

Political parties need to be more open about what services they are going to provide to people with disabilities who are looking for work.

That is the opinion of Disability Alliance chief executive Vanessa Stanislas, who stated that recent changes to the benefits system are "less flexible and less generous" to disabled individuals.

She remarked: "We would like to hear how each of the parties will improve support for disabled people to find work in difficult national times."

Her comments preceded the organisation's preparations to host the first pre-election debate between Labour and opposition spokespeople on benefits and public services last week.

It is important that those with disabilities are "not pushed into poverty" by any future modifications to current policies, Ms Stanislas added.

Neil Coyle, director of policy at the Disability Alliance, recently welcomed mentions of the equality bill in the Queen's Speech, but he noted current legislation must not be watered down as a result.