“We could help transform the job market:” We’re calling for Disabled people to take a leading role in the Government’s independent review. 

Did you miss the big news about the Governments ambitious plans to “Get Britain Working” announced in a White Paper yesterday?

Our Campaign welcomes the fresh approach the Government is taking to address the lack of opportunity for Disabled people in the job market. A range of initiatives announced in yesterday’s Government White Paper “Get Britain Working”, included an independent review of how employers can be better supported to employ and retain Disabled people and those with health conditions. This is encouraging news. However, unless Disabled people have a leading role in this review, it will not succeed and the opportunity to truly transform the job market will be missed.

Disabled people must be involved

Whilst the paper declares a commitment to centre the voices of Disabled people, it was unfortunate then, that they failed to include any quotes from Disabled people or their organisations in their media release. This was despite including quotations from a range of other stakeholders, including the DWP.

Uncertainty continues

Meanwhile, the cloud of uncertainty for Disabled people remains as we must wait until Spring 2025 for details on proposed changes to disability benefits, which will be set out in a new consultation paper. With more than two million Disabled people living in deep poverty, this will be crucial to Disabled people’s living standards, in or out of work.

Overall, there was too much emphasis on cutting the amount of spending on social security, rather than undertaking to improve the system. Here's our view on the White Paper in more detail:

We welcome the following proposals:

· Improving employment support and making sure it is available locally.

· The transformation of Jobcentres to places providing job opportunity, rather than just policing the social security system.

· An independent review of how the Government can support employers to employ Disabled people and keep them in the workplace.

· Investment into mental health support and reduce NHS waiting lists.

· Access to apprenticeships, quality training and education opportunities for all young people.

However, for these proposals to work, the involvement of Disabled People’s Organisations (DPOs) in delivering employment support is crucial. We must also have a leading role in the independent review of employment support needs; and there must be concrete achievements from the NHS and mental health investment. Furthermore, proposals for young people should consider the needs of Disabled young people and avoid sanctions.

We do not welcome:

· The fact that the White Paper emphasises cutting the amount of spending on social security, rather than undertaking to improve the system.

· The lack of clarity about how the future benefit changes will affect Disabled people. For example, people who can’t work right now might face “sanctions” in future if they can’t meet “work preparation” requirements.

Next steps

We are calling upon the Government to tell us exactly how Disabled people will be meaningfully involved in the independent review.