§ Mr. Greville Jannerasked the Secretary of State for Employment whether he will institute research into the provision of employment opportunities for elderly and disabled people.
§ Mr. Dudley SmithA good deal of such research has been, or is being undertaken, particularly in connection with my Department's current comprehensive review of its policies and services for disabled people. The need for further research in this field is under consideration, but it will not be possible to take decisions about this until the current review has been completed.
§ Mr. Cordleasked the Secretary of State for Employment whether he will consider amending the Industrial Relations Act so as to permit disabled persons to claim compensation for unfair dismissal, even where they have been in their current employment for less than two years.
§ Mr. Dudley SmithThe position of disabled people was carefully considered during the preparation of the Industrial Relations Bill. To amend the Act in the manner suggested would be inconsistent with the Government's policy for the employment of disabled people which is supported by the National Advisory Council on the Employment of the Disabled. Given carefully selected jobs, disabled people are capable, or can be rendered capable by industrial rehabilitation or vocational training, of maintaining themselves in employment in normal competition with other employees.
The 104-week qualifying period for the right to complain of unfair dismissal was imposed purely for case load reasons; my right hon. Friend intends to reduce it as soon as possible and disabled people will benefit along with other employees.