- The UK’s new minister for disabilities has acknowledged that the government “has scope to do more”.
- Minister Tom Pursglove is the third MP to hold the job in as many months.
- Access to Work aims to assist those with disabilities in entering or remaining in the workforce.
When it comes to placing disabled individuals in the workforce, the UK’s new minister for disabilities has acknowledged that the government “has scope to do more.”
The statement was made by Tom Pursglove, Minister for Disabled People, Health, and Work, as he unveiled a new Disability Action Plan.
In as many months, he is the third MP to hold the job.
According to the Office for National Statistics, 53% of disabled persons in the UK are working.
When compared to non-disabled people, that figure is 82%.
People with disabilities frequently claim difficulties receiving job assistance at first, a lack of accessibility in the workplace, and hiring practices that are biased.
Since taking office as the MP for Corby in 2015, Mr. Pursglove has said that one of the ways he plans to enhance the experience of disabled people finding employment is by digitizing the Access to Work program.
Access to Work strives to assist those with disabilities in entering or remaining in the workforce. Although currently paper-based, it offers subsidies to cover the cost of practical assistance for British Sign Language users, such as transportation or interpreters.
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Mr. Pursglove, 34, said that while the scheme “unlocks so many opportunities for so many people,” he believes there is “scope to do better around the way that that system and process works”.
He added: “It’s very early days in the role, but one of the things that has struck me is, what more can we do to try and digitize those processes wherever possible?
On December 3, to commemorate International Day of People with Disabilities, the Minister made the remarks as he opened a brand-new research facility for the Global Disability Innovation Hub (GDI Hub) at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Stratford, London.
A research center dedicated to disability innovation and inclusivity through research and data is called the GDI Hub.
The announcement of the Disability Action Plan, which the government says will “meaningfully improve” the lives of disabled people, comes almost one year after a survey of disabled people – used to inform the highly anticipated National Disability Strategy – was ruled “unlawful” by the High Court.
In January 2022, the UK Disability Survey gained 14,000 responses but was found to have failed to consult with disabled people effectively to allow for “meaningful responses”. The government is currently appealing against the decision.
It stated that the National Disability Strategy and the recently unveiled Disability Action Plan were distinct and would involve consultation.
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