UK
Tailored support still needed to help people with learning disabilities into work
By Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities, UK
Jan 25, 2006, 15:35

The Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities broadly welcomes today's publication of the Government's long awaited Welfare Reform green paper, with the higher rates of benefits for those unable to work and the additional supports for finding and retaining a job. However, the Foundation believes that a detailed set of policies using the supported employment model and international best practice is needed to enable more people with learning disabilities to find work.

There are around 800,000 adults with learning disabilities of working age and it is estimated that only 11% have a job , although many more would like to work. The green paper outlines plans to get 1 million of the 2.7 million people currently on incapacity benefit back into work within 10 years.

Hazel Morgan, Co-Director of the Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities said: 'We believe that it is only through a more tailored approach using the supported employment model more extensively that the many people with learning disabilities who would like to work will be able to do so. Young people should also have the opportunities for work experience while at school or college.

"We welcome the green paper but also want to know how the government will ensure that jobs will be available. We hope these reforms will be flexible and allow people with learning disabilities to choose to work part time, for sixteen hours or less, while also benefiting from the tax credit system. Whatever happens, it is important that all information is provided in an accessible way."

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