§ 29. Mr. Viggersasked the Secretary of State for employment when he expects to announce his policy on the regulations and practice relating to the employment of disabled people.
§ Mr. Jim LesterI am informed by the Manpower Services Commission, which has responsibility for the operation of the statutory quota scheme for the employment of disabled people, that it intends to review the scheme next year. The Commission issued a discussion document in May, which reviews the existing quota system and puts forward a number of future policy options. We shall wish to consider carefully any recommendations 445W put forward by the Commission before reaching a decision on this important issue.
As I announced on 4 July, MSC will also be mounting a major promotion campaign in the autumn with the slogan " Fit for Work ". The campaign, which will include a train exhibition and the launch of a scheme of annual awards to firms, will aim to promote a wider understanding of the employment needs of disabled workers and of their abilities, thus helping to create more and better job opportunities for them.