Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Blind and Partially Sighted People: Employment Support

20 November 2024 · 6 other contributors · 10,929 words

Opened by Marsha de Cordova Lab Battersea

Responding minister: Stephen Timms

EmploymentWomen & Equalities

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Marsha de Cordova raised concerns about blind and partially sighted people: employment support in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • The number of blind and partially sighted people in employment is 42% compared to 82% for non-disabled individuals.
  • Employers lack accessible recruitment processes and are often unwilling to make reasonable adjustments for visually impaired individuals.
  • The Government Minister committed to transforming the Department for Work and Pensions to support an 80% employment rate, including for disabled people.

Key requests to Government

The Government should develop a disability employment strategy that improves employer attitudes and increases the number of blind and partially sighted people in employment. The Minister should work with Business and Trade Department to ensure a cross-Government approach. Review the Equality Act for modern labour market fit, address issues within Access to Work scheme, consider legislating on accessibility standards for websites, and look at implementing a jobcentre technology fund.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Marsha de Cordova Lab Battersea

The number of blind and partially sighted people in employment is stubbornly low despite the Equality Act 2010, diversity and inclusion policies, and welfare-to-work programmes. The APPG report found that many employers do not have accessible recruitment processes or are unwilling to make reasonable adjustments for visually impaired individuals. Only 42% of blind and partially sighted people are employed compared to 82% of non-disabled individuals, with a disability pay gap of around 17%. Employers miss out on talent due to outdated attitudes and lack of awareness regarding support available.

Other contributors (6)
  • Danny Kruger Reform East Wiltshire

    Mr Kruger acknowledged the importance of reducing barriers for blind and partially sighted people in employment, emphasizing both moral and economic imperatives. He highlighted the success of Access to Work grants but noted concerns about application backlogs, calling for improvements in processing times. Mr Kruger also called for a focus on employer attitudes and culture rather than solely relying on statutory measures.

  • Gregory Campbell DUP East Londonderry

    My hon. Friend talks about what needs to be done on pathways to work. Does he agree that potential employers need to understand two things? First, they could be in breach of the law if they engage in activities that prevent partially sighted or blind people from getting employment. Secondly, they could be overlooking better-qualified candidates for employment.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    There are currently 57,500 people in Northern Ireland with sight loss, and the figure is expected to rise by over 25% by 2032. Preventable eye tests can reduce this figure. Jim Shannon highlighted examples of how early optician visits led to timely medical interventions saving lives. He suggested that the Minister should contact the relevant body in the Northern Ireland Assembly to ensure better collaboration and idea sharing for the benefit of blind and partially sighted people.

  • Lee Pitcher Lab Doncaster East and the Isle of Axholme

    Lee Pitcher shared personal experience with his wife's retinitis pigmentosa, emphasizing how technology like Seeing AI and accessible software can support blind or partially sighted individuals in the workplace. He asked the Minister to discuss with the Education Minister about incorporating disability awareness into school curricula.

  • Richard Baker Lab Glenrothes and Mid Fife

    The hon. Member has rightly mentioned the importance of Access to Work and how it can make a real difference in supporting disabled people, including blind and partially sighted people, to secure and retain employment. One of the challenges is ensuring that there is enough provision and that enough employers are aware of Access to Work. Mr. Richard Baker highlighted the importance of the all-party parliamentary group on eye health and visual impairment in advocating for blind and partially sighted individuals. He pointed out that only one in four visually impaired people in Scotland are employed, with RNIB Scotland research indicating 9,000 registered visually impaired workers of working age, of whom about 2,000 are employed. The MP stressed the need for better access to employment support and highlighted the success of Seescape's rehabilitation services and aids for improving inclusion in workplaces.

  • Steve Darling Lib Dem Torbay

    Mr. Steve Darling highlighted the significant discrimination faced by blind and partially sighted individuals, particularly in areas such as taxis, hotels, and restaurants. He endorsed the findings of the report and emphasized the importance of co-design and tackling discrimination through strengthened legislation. He also mentioned challenges related to mental health and employment, citing instances where people had less than a year's gainful employment due to barriers. Concerning Access to Work, he pointed out delays in payments and complexities that prevent individuals from receiving necessary support efficiently. Mr. Darling called for improvements in the Disability Confident scheme and requested assurances regarding Access to Work's project plan and turnaround time.

Government Response

Stephen Timms

The Government Minister addressed the need to support visually impaired individuals in employment by outlining several initiatives. He mentioned plans to transform the Department for Work and Pensions into a 'Department for work' aiming for an 80% employment rate, including disabled people. The minister committed to addressing the disability pay gap through legislation and implementing reforms such as measuring success based on long-term job retention and progression. He also highlighted the importance of inclusive workplace practices and accessible recruitment processes, as well as expanding Access to Work services to reduce waiting times. Additionally, he noted the role of technology in enhancing employment opportunities for visually impaired individuals.

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