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
NEWS RELEASE