News Release, 10 October 2005
The Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities welcomes David Blunkett’s principles of welfare reform but warns that people with learning disabilities must not be forgotten.
The Work and Pensions Secretary today outlined his eight principles of welfare reform to get many of the 2.7 million people currently on incapacity benefit back into work.
Hazel Morgan, Co-Director of the Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities says:
“We welcome this first step but people with learning disabilities must not be forgotten. There are currently around 800,000 people with learning disabilities of working age. Many want to work yet only 11 per cent are in paid employment.
Mr Blunkett needs to ensure that Government programmes become more sensitive to their needs and more appropriate support and training is provided to help people with learning disabilities find work. Many fear that they may be worse off in a job. The transition from benefits to work needs to be further improved.”
The Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities is publishing a report about education and employment opportunities for people with learning disabilities later this month. The charity sincerely hopes that the Government takes serious note of its findings and acts on its recommendations.
Ends
Return to news releases 2005
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
