TGWU: Disabled people shouldn't be penalised for employer discrimination

Wednesday, 05, Jul 2006 12:00

Disabled people should not be penalised for employer discrimination

Disabled people should not be penalised for employer discrimination, the Transport and General Workers’ Union said today, as the Government published its welfare reform bill.

Diana Holland, T&G National Organiser for Women, Race and Equalities, said:

“Disabled people should not be penalised for employer discrimination. Targeting individuals, when even the Government acknowledges that the number of fraudulent claims is minimal, is not the answer.

“Discrimination against disabled people by employers is still rife and more should be done to combat it, like extending Access to Work, and introducing a right to disability leave.

“Support packages to those seeking work should be individualised, fully funded and readily accessible. Our experience with pilot schemes has been positive where they are being delivered by the public sector, with well-qualified advisers who have the important job of assessing people and helping them to find work where appropriate.”

Brian Blatchford, Chair of the T&G’s National Disabled Members’ Committee, said:

“The Government should work harder with employers, unions and agencies to ensure that everyone who wants and can work is able to do so, in jobs that meet their skills and in workplaces where they are well supported.”

ENDS

For further information please contact the T&G Press Office on 020 7611 2549

Notes to editors:

• The pilot schemes are called Pathways to Work.