MPs Urged To Do More For Disabled Workers

MPs are being called on to do more to help disabled jobseekers into work by the Minister for Disabled People, Justin Tomlinson.

The Minister said that members of parliament should take a more active role in matching disabled jobseekers with employers in their areas.

Minister Tomlinson made the call as he launched his own jobs fair, which he refers to as a 'Reverse Jobs Fair', as part of the government's Disability Confident initiative.

Minister Tomlinson, said: "Despite steady improvement, it is still the case that some disabled people are finding doors shut in their face. Time and again disabled people tell me that they want to work and have the skills but are overlooked for roles they would be perfect for.

"This has to change and MPs, local authorities and other organisations can play their part by holding Disability Confident jobs fairs across the country. The ones we have seen have been very successful, but there is no reason why they shouldn't take place in every one of the UK's 650 constituencies.

"Together, MPs and employers can reach out to disabled people and make a tremendous difference."

More than 50 employers, including BMW and Jurys Inn, will be attending the minister's event to find out how employing disabled people can boost their businesses and give them an edge over their competitors. With high-levels of employment it is also a way to fill vacancies in a competitive market.

The minister coined the term 'Reverse Jobs Fair' for the event as local employers, rather than jobseekers, will gather to discuss their specific recruitment needs. This innovative approach was developed with the support of specialist disability work-providers Pluss and Shaw Trust. The goal of the 'Reverse Jobs Fair' is to meet the demands of employers and create lasting employment opportunities for disabled people.

Employers attending the event included organisations which are leading the way in providing opportunities for disabled people and are reaping the rewards.

Wiltshire Constabulary in particular was singled out by the minister, who said: "The disabled people in the Wiltshire police control room are often the first voice someone hears in a time of crisis. The support and service they offer, in high pressured situations, can be the difference between life and death.

"Imagine if Wiltshire police had written off people simply because of their disability? I'm delighted our Access to Work programmeis giving people the chance to flourish in roles for which they might otherwise have been overlooked. I hope these examples continue to break down misconceptions."

(MH/CD)