News Release, 24 July 2006
Speaking after the second reading of the Welfare Reform Bill in Parliament, Alison Giraud-Saunders Co-Director of the Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities, today said:
“We broadly welcome the intention of this Bill to help disabled people into employment. We know that only around 11 per cent of people with learning disabilities have a paid job. However, there is still much to be done to ensure that people with learning disabilities are fully supported to find work.
“We do not want people with learning disabilities to be seen as unemployable. Many want to work and they can make a valuable contribution to the workplace. The Personal Capability Assessment, which will decide if people can work, must be sensitive to the specific needs of each person with a learning disability. We welcome the review into how this will be carried out and hope that people with learning disabilities, and organisations and professionals who work with them, are consulted closely.
Barbara McIntosh, Co-Director of the Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities, said:
“Supported employment schemes should also be made more widely available across the UK so that those who would like to work will be able to do so. And employers should be encouraged to recruit people with learning disabilities, especially those in the public sector. We are planning to build on our work in this field by working with businesses and other employers to increase job opportunities.”
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Note to editors
For further information and interview requests contact please contact the press office on 020 7803 1105 / 1128 or email the press office
The Foundation promotes the rights, quality of life and opportunities of people with learning disabilities and their families. We do this by working with people with learning disabilities, their families and those who support them to:
- Do research and develop projects that promote social inclusion and citizenship
- Support local communities and services to include people with learning disabilities
- Make practical improvements in services for people with learning disabilities
- Spread knowledge and information.
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