New study charts state of
play on disability equality, including the value of work to disabled people
DEPARTMENT FOR WORK
AND PENSIONS News Release (DRC-087) issued by The Government News
Network on 17 July 2008
Major new research
launched today by Anne McGuire, Minister for Disabled People,
provides a unique snapshot of the lives of nearly 2000 disabled
people in Great Britain.
Published in the run-up to the release of a Green Paper on
Welfare Reform, the report showed that nine out of ten working
disabled people believe their job has a positive impact on their
life, keeping them active and giving them financial independence.
It also confirmed that the number of disabled people in paid
employment has increased. However, just over a quarter felt more
could have been done to help them stay in work.
Experiences and Expectations of Disabled People reports their
views on a range of the issues, including employment, education,
transport, health and discrimination. Commissioned by the Office
for Disability Issues, the study actively involved disabled people
throughout the research process.
Other key findings were:
* A large majority of disabled people reported being generally
satisfied with their health care and the level of control in their
lives. Most also felt that their home was suitable for their needs
* The majority of disabled people are socially active. Over nine
in ten (92%) disabled people had recently taken part in at least
one social activity in the previous month before the study was conducted
* The results match other trends showing that the number of
disabled people in paid employment has increased. National
statistics show that the employment rate of disabled people has
increased by five percentage points over this period, from 43% in
2001 to 48% in the latest available data for 2008
* Disabled people in work expressed positive views about how work
contributed to their lives. The vast majority felt that work helps
to keep them active (96%), provides financial independence (95%),
enables them to meet other people (92%) and makes them feel that
they are contributing to society (90%)
* In many respects, disabled people are more likely than
non-disabled people to experience disadvantage. Compared with the
population as a whole, disabled people tend to live in households
with lower incomes, are less likely to be in paid work and less
likely to hold academic qualifications.
* A minority of disabled people felt they lack the skills to find
work. One in ten working-age respondents not in work felt that
they did not have the skills to get a job. This was highest
amongst younger people - 17% of 16-34 year olds not in work
Minister for Disabled People Anne McGuire said: "This report
provides a comprehensive insight into the lives of disabled people
and provides the type of information we need to ensure that we
target our policies and approaches to help meet the
Government's vision of equality for disabled people by 2025.
"Some of the criticisms are really challenging but we need
to know more about the areas where we are managing to narrow the
disability equality gap and look at where we still have more work
to do.
"One of the main messages from the report is around work. As
the research shows, disabled people of working age can and want to
work, but still face barriers in accessing and staying in jobs. We
are determined to make sure we provide the support that disabled
people need to make the most of the opportunities that are out there.
"We will shortly be bringing together a green paper on
welfare reform that will set out the next steps in making these
goals a reality, giving disabled people the opportunity to take
their place in the workforce."
Transport Minister, Rosie Winterton said:
"Today's research emphasises again the importance of
remaining independent for those with a disability, and the key
role that public transport can have in this - especially when
providing access to work.
"It is not right that travel should be a barrier to
employment. The Government will continue to consult with disabled
people and local authorities on measures that are important to
them, such as low-floor buses, accessible taxis, accessible
stations, Blue Badges and the concessionary bus pass, so that we
have a transport system people feel confident using and that
reflects the population it serves"
ENDS
Notes to editors:
* Experiences and Expectations of Disabled People surveyed 1860
disabled people across Britain between July and August 2007. The
research was carried out by GFK NOP Social Research, the Office
for Public Management, PPRE, the University of Nottingham and the
Office for Disability Issues.
* The report was launched by the Minister for Disabled People,
Anne McGuire today, 17 July 2008, at a Manchester event marking
the 30th anniversary since the Chronically Sick and Disabled
Persons Act (1970) came into effect across the UK and Northern Ireland.
* Experiences and Expectations of Disabled People report
information can be accessed at: http://www.officefordisability.gov.uk/research/eedp.asp
* The Office for Disability Issues was established in 2005
following recommendations in the Improving the Life Chances of
Disabled People report. That report says that by 2025, disabled
people should have the same opportunities and choices as
non-disabled people and be respected and included as equal members
of society. The ODI acts as a champion of disabled people within
government, working with other departments to help them better
understand and meet the needs and aspirations of disabled people.
To find out more, go to http://www.officefordisability.gov.uk.
* Please note that the figures on the employment rate of disabled
people are from the Labour Force Survey, not from EEDP.
Website: http://www.dwp.gov.uk
NEWS RELEASE