55. Mr. Wileyasked the Secretary of State for Employment what is the proportion of registered disabled men at present unemployed in Sunderland; and what steps he is taking to improve the position.
§ Mr. John GrantI am informed by the Manpower Services Commission that, on 12th October 1978, 453 or 21 per cent. of registered disabled men were unemployed in Sunderland. The MSC is very concerned to reduce the unemployment among disabled people. Recent measures such as the capital grants, job introduction and revised fares-to-work schemes should help improve employment opportunities for disabled people. The commission is also continuing its efforts to persuade employers to adopt positive policies on the employment of disabled people which will be boosted by a major promotional campaign in Autumn 1979 featuring national and local initiatives.