HC Deb 22 April 1980 vol 983 cc198-9
4. Mr. Viggers

asked the Secretary of State for Employment whether he is satisfied with measures currently in hand to encourage the employment of those suffering from a mental or physical handicap.

The Under-Secretary of State for Employment (Mr. Jim Lester)

This is an area in which none of us are satisfied. That is why I am fully behind the Manpower Services Commission's "Fit for Work" campaign—which relates specifically to mental and physical handicap—and its review of the existing quota provisions to see how best to protect employment opportunities for disabled people in the future.

Mr. Viggers

I am very grateful to the Minister for that helpful answer. Is it not a matter of great concern that, despite all efforts of successive Governments, the level of long-term unemployment among the disabled remains obstinately high? Is it not appropriate, therefore, that there should be a major initiative in this area?

Mr. Lester

The "Fit for Work" campaign is a major initiative in this direction. We now have 356 applications for awards under this scheme which will be made by the end of the year. Because the scheme is successful, the overall rate of unemployment for disabled people has fallen by 5.7 per cent. since February 1978.

Mr. Wigley

Does not the Minister accept that at a time of escalating general unemployment it is that much more difficult for the handicapped to get work and to retain it? In these circumstances should there not be a call for more ATCs and sheltered workshops instead of cutting back on this type of provision?

Mr. Lester

For many disabled people the chance is not for employment in a sheltered workshop, but in the mainstream of employment. For that reason we have made no changes whatever in the services for disabled people.

Mr. Foster

Does the Minister realise that the chances of the physically disabled gaining employment are reducing day by day? Is it not time for a programme for the disabled that is parallel to the youth opportunities programme?

Mr. Lester

We already have many agencies doing this. We have the job introduction schemes, special aids to employment, adaptations for premises and equipment, and assistance with fares to work. On many of these things we have not yet been able to spend the budget that we are allowed.

Mr. Bowden

Is my hon. Friend aware that this weekend I attended the conference of the British Limbless Ex-Servicemen's Association, when strong views were expressed about the increasing difficulties of its members in finding jobs? Will he arrange to consult that organisation and hear its views?

Mr. Lester

I am always prepared, as is my right hon. Friend, to consult anybody on problems of the disabled.

Mr. John Grant

Surely the Minister recognises that at a time of steeply rising unemployment, the disadvantaged groups, particularly the disabled, are hit disproportionately. Is it not time that the Government stopped wringing their hands and saying that they do their best to protect the disabled while at the same time cutting back in some areas, for example, rehabilitation centres? Will they not consider introducing new measures, or at least extending existing measures?

Mr. Lester

I hope that we shall continue to support all the measures that have proved successful. As already announced, the figures for unemployed disabled people have dropped from 147,404 in February 1978 to 138,996 in February 1980. That is not enough, but it is still a move in the right direction.