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Disability History Month
12 December 2024
Lead MP
Jennifer Craft
Thurrock
Lab
Responding Minister
Stephen Timms
Tags
DefenceEmploymentTransport
Word Count: 12779
Other Contributors: 9
At a Glance
Jennifer Craft raised concerns about disability history month in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
Ms. Craft asked the Minister to review the Equality Act to ensure it is fit for the modern labour market and address employer obligations. She inquired about the continuation of engaging with disabled individuals, campaigners, and charities in driving reform and details on departmental disability leads' roles. Additionally, she requested assurances that disabled people will not lose financial benefits if they need social security payments again after trying employment.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Ms. Craft expressed concern about the persistent disability employment gap of around 30%, noting that over one million disabled people want to work but face poor employer attitudes and insufficient support programmes. She highlighted the discrimination faced by disabled individuals, with three out of four reporting negative attitudes in recent years. Disabled children are deprived of life chances due to a broken special educational needs system. The disability pay gap stands at 17%, equating to over £1,000 less per month for households compared to non-disabled households. Ms. Craft also pointed out that two-thirds of disabled people fear disclosing their disability during job applications.
Alison Griffiths
Con
Bognor Regis and Littlehampton
Alison Griffiths highlighted her personal experience with hearing loss due to bacterial meningitis, advocating for disabled individuals in the workplace. She noted that while progress has been made since 1995 under Conservative leadership, many disabled people still face significant barriers to employment beyond further education. Griffiths emphasised the need for flexible systems and access co-ordinators to help manage disabilities and support career progression.
Anna Dixon
Lab
Shipley
Mrs Dixon inquired about the government's cross-departmental approach to disability, specifically asking for assurances regarding the recognition and support of family carers who provide crucial care and support to disabled individuals.
Derby North
Catherine Atkinson highlighted the importance of recognising deaf people's contributions and challenges, mentioning that Derby has the largest number of deaf individuals outside London due to the Royal School for the Deaf Derby. She praised recent media representation but noted that there are still significant barriers in education, employment, and healthcare for those who are deaf or have hearing loss. Atkinson mentioned that deaf pupils face an attainment gap equivalent to 12 months of learning by primary school end and perform worse than non-deaf peers at GCSE level. She also pointed out that only four in ten working-age BSL users are employed, with a third classified as long-term economically inactive. Furthermore, she criticised the NHS for failing to provide adequate access for deaf individuals. Ms Atkinson indicated assent during the debate.
Helen Whately
Con
Faversham and Mid Kent
Ms Whately highlighted the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities, emphasizing the importance of accessibility and inclusivity in workplaces and public spaces. She praised the progress made during the London Paralympics and celebrated the achievements of disabled athletes and advocates who have raised awareness about disability issues. Ms Whately also discussed the government's efforts to increase employment opportunities for people with disabilities through initiatives such as the Disability Confident programme, Access to Work funding, and universal support services.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Jim Shannon highlighted the impact of disability on families and communities in Northern Ireland, citing census data showing that 24.3% or 463,000 people had a limiting long-term health problem or disability in 2021. He noted an increase from 2011 to 2021 and urged the Minister to discuss these matters with appropriate Ministers in Northern Ireland. Shannon also praised Ards and North Down borough council for raising awareness about invisible disabilities.
Julian Lewis
Con
New Forest East
Celebrated the contributions of disabled people in his constituency, highlighted the work of the Minstead Trust and its Hanger Farm Arts Centre, which provides employment opportunities for those with learning disabilities. Acknowledged the importance of including disabled individuals in workplaces to improve equality and inclusion. Discussed the additional financial costs faced by disabled households, noting that in New Forest East this cost exceeds £900 annually. Emphasized the need for addressing negative attitudes towards disabled people and combating disability hate crime.
Olly Glover
Lib Dem
Didcot and Wantage
Paid tribute to the hon. Member for Thurrock for securing the debate, highlighted the need for positive change in disability rights, and called on the Government to provide more support for employers to change how they view disabilities. He noted that over 12,000 households in his constituency include a disabled person and praised local authorities for their assistance services. He also emphasized the importance of community transport services and called for accessibility improvements at Cholsey railway station.
Peter Prinsley
Lab
Bury St Edmunds and Stowmarket
Discussed the prevalence of hearing loss, noting that it affects 70% of people over 70 years old and 40% of those over 40. He highlighted issues with access to free NHS hearing aids, stating up to 5 million people could benefit but do not use them, and another million cannot hear conversational speech. Prinsley also addressed the issue of occluding earwax caused by hearing aid moulds and suggested a model of community-based, non-profit NHS ear care similar to a charity he chaired before becoming an MP.
Sarah Coombes
Lab
West Bromwich
She expressed concerns about the current employment gap for disabled people in West Bromwich, which stands at around 25 percentage points. She highlighted the Government's investment of £115 million next year to deliver Connect to Work, a new supported employment programme aiming to support nearly 100,000 people annually starting from 2026. Sarah also pointed out issues with public transport accessibility in her constituency and praised local initiatives supporting disabled athletes.
Government Response
Stephen Timms
Government Response
Discussed government actions for delivering access and inclusion to disabled people through missions and plans for national renewal. Announced reforms in the 'Get Britain Working' White Paper, including a disability employment panel to ensure the voices of disabled people are at the heart of reforms. Mentioned the Bus Services Bill's measures to improve public transport accessibility. Addressed barriers faced by those not working due to ill health or disability and committed to reforming the benefits system to support disabled people into work and live independently. Announced a Green Paper in spring for consultation, focusing on disability pay gap reporting and equal pay for disabled people. Highlighted meetings with various disability groups and organisations and the commitment to supporting British Sign Language. Mentioned the creation of lead Ministers for disability in every Department to champion disability inclusion and accessibility.
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Assessment & feedback
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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.