DISABLED WORKERS FACE BENEFITS BARRIER

24-01-2008

Research published today reveals that people with disabilities still face significant barriers to work - despite the introduction of laws aimed at ending discrimination.  One of the key culprits is the benefits system.

The Yardley-based Birmingham Disability Resource Centre, calls for more flexible attitudes from bosses and the government to combat high unemployment amongst this already disadvantaged group.

BDRC interviewed 200 disabled people, and found they had no lack of appetite for the daily grind.  But like many people receiving state assistance, they find it difficult to ease themselves into a job without falling foul of the rules.

Research co-ordinator and Stirrer blogger Pete Millington explained, “The current benefit system means people either live for years in receipt of welfare support but in return are instructed they have to be economically inactive, or they are expected to fend for themselves in full time employment.

“The research backs up the need to change our thinking, all types of work should be encouraged, even if a person can only manage one week every six months, or two hours every week, there could be a sliding scale where benefit income reduces below a certain threshold but is not lost altogether”.

Other issues highlighted include the lack of support for independent living, and poor communication support for deaf people.

The report calls for disabled people to be allowed to earn a crust from giving advice to other people in the same situation, without falling foul of benefit rules.

To see the full report, click here www.disability.co.uk

The Disability Discrimination Act was introduced in 1995 – has it worked?  Do people with disabilities need more help to get jobs

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