Supporting Disabled People into Work 2022-03-21
2022-03-21
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Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP seeks to understand the steps being taken to help disabled individuals enter the workforce.
What steps she is taking to help disabled people into work?
We are committed to seeing 1 million more disabled people in work by 2027. A wide range of initiatives are available to support disabled people to stay in work or move into work, including contracted employment support, Access to Work, Disability Confident, and initiatives in partnership with the health system.
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Assessment & feedback
We Are Committed
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP inquires about the availability of assistive technology at jobcentres and staff training to support disabled claimants.
Can the Minister advise the House on whether every jobcentre is equipped with assistive technology for disabled claimants and whether that is supported by appropriate staff training—and if not, why not?
We have 900 disability employment advisers who individually work with claimants to help them to progress. One of the most positive outcomes of the kickstart scheme has been the number of people with neurodiversity or disabilities getting a first start into work because they worked directly with their work coaches to understand what support they needed to get into work. There is also, of course, the Access to Work programme.
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Assessment & feedback
We Have
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP references a report highlighting the lack of support from employers for individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS), leading to early retirement.
Will the Department commit to improving Access to Work by reducing waiting times, ending the payment cap altogether, and helping employees to better support their disabled employees to thrive and remain in work?
I thank the hon. Lady for raising a really important point about employers being able to understand and work with their employees as their health needs change. Employers stepping forward to do more to retain quality staff is absolutely right. She will be pleased to know that we are adapting Access to Work to support hybrid working. We have introduced a new flexible offer, and we are also piloting an adjustment passport to help to smooth transitions into employment.
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Assessment & feedback
She Will Be Pleased
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP highlights a local charity providing training for young people with disabilities and learning difficulties.
What support do the Government give such charities to help people with disabilities live their lives to the full?
Support for small charities exists in the form of the work with the Regional Stakeholder Network, which provides charities with a platform to influence policies that directly impact the lives of disabled people. Through the RSN, support is provided for small charities by helping them to navigate the often difficult process of accessing public sector grants and contracts.
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Assessment & feedback
Exists In
Response accuracy