This week the Prime Minister has launched a new package of wide-ranging measures to tackle the injustices that disabled people face in the workplace, at home and in the community.
This package includes:
- Greater workplace support and an overhaul on statutory sick pay
- Higher accessibility standards for new housing, delivering up to 300 000 new accessible homes annually
- New national outcomes data for disabled people
These measures will not only shine a light on the injustices disabled people face, but will help break down the barriers to ensure disabled people can fully participate in society.
The Prime Minister has also announced the development of a new cross-government disability team, aiming to develop a new approach to disability. The Work and Pensions Secretary aims to explore how to improve support for people on disability benefits, by developing a Green Paper to engage with organisations and charities that aid disabled people.
Minister of State for Care and local MP Caroline Dinenage commented:
“1 fifth of the UK working age population live with a disability, therefore it is important to fight against the injustices that they face every day.
“This is something that I have personally been committed to as an MP. My office is Disability Confident Committed, I undertook a Disability Confident Summer Challenge and hosted an event with local businesses, encouraging employers to be more inclusive and to sign up to the Disability Confident scheme. I am delighted and encouraged by the steps that have been announced today.
“Everyone should have the same access to basic rights such as housing and employment and I am pleased to see that tackling these inequalities is a priority of the governments.”
The Prime Minister said:
“My determination to identify and tackle injustices, wherever they exist in society, remains as strong as ever.
“So I am proud to announce new measures to break down barriers faced by disabled people, whether in employment, housing or elsewhere.
“We all have a crucial role – businesses, government and civil society - in working together to ensure that disabled people get the support they need, and go as far as their talents can take them.”
Work and Pensions Secretary, Amber Rudd, said:
“Disabled people encounter too many challenges in life and I want to see these end.
“We want to change the landscape for disabled people and to make sure there is always a level playing field for them.”
