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McGuire: new consultation will help more disabled people into work

DEPARTMENT FOR WORK AND PENSIONS News Release (EMP - 052) issued by The Government News Network on 3 December 2007

A new consultation aimed at helping more disabled people into work by improving the specialist employment support available to people with disabilities was launched by Anne McGuire, Minister for Disabled People, today.

The consultation includes proposals to provide a more bespoke service to disabled people ensuring they have the opportunity not just to work but to progress in work to their full potential.

Launching the consultation at Mitchell and Cooper, international manufacturers of catering equipment in East Sussex, Anne McGuire said:

"We have made major progress in helping people with disabilities into employment. We've worked hard to tackle barriers to work and remove the stigma and marginalisation which many disabled people are confronted with in the workplace.

"Over the last 10 years we have helped over 350,000 disabled people into employment. But we are determined to go further, which is why today we are setting out how we think we can improve our services and deliver a more flexible and personal employment service.

"I look forward to receiving views on the impact of our proposals so we can decide the best way to take them forward."

Central proposals in the consultation include developing and enhancing the role of Disability Employment Advisers in Jobcentre Plus so that each individual gets support that is tailored to their needs to help them achieve their employment goals; and moving away from separate programmes of support such as the Job Introduction Scheme, Work Preparation and WORKSTEP towards a single integrated programme which provides a more personalised employment service for disabled people.

The proposals in the consultation complement other major reforms by the DWP aimed at supporting those who need the most help to find, retain and progress in work; including the modernisation of Remploy, Pathways to Work and a Flexible New Deal all of which will offer additional specialist help for people with greater support needs.

Notes to editors

1. The consultation 'Helping people achieve their full potential: Improving Specialist Disability Employment Services' is available on the DWP website at http://www.dwp.gov.uk

2. Anne McGuire MP launched the consultation at Mitchell and Cooper, an international manufacturer of kitchen, bar, and dispensing products, in Uckfield, East Sussex. Mitchell and Copper employ three WORKSTEP customers (one with a spinal injury, one with a visual impairment and one with a learning disability).

Website http://www.dwp.gov.uk
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