HC Deb 02 June 1981 vol 5 cc323-4W
34. Sir David Price

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what progress has been made so far in the Manpower Services Commission's programme to persuade employers to employ more registered disabled workers.

Mr. Peter Morrison

The Manpower Services Commission's "Fit for Work" campaign is designed to create awareness amongst employers of the abilities and potential of disabled workers, and thus to encourage the provision of more and better employment opportunities for all disabled people including those not registered as disabled. The campaign therefore encourages employers to retain, train, and promote and develop their disabled employees as well as to recruit disabled workers.

It is not possible to establish a direct link between the campaign and the figures for disabled people in jobs because of the many other factors involved. But I nevertheless believe that there will be a continuing need for campaigns like "Fit for Work" to ensure that disabled people obtain equal access to the opportunities available. It is for that reason that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State and my noble Friend the Minister of State were both pleased to participate recently in a joint initiative launched by the Manpower Services Commission and BBC radio where programmes in one week focused on the need to encourage employers to consider the abilities of disabled people in all aspects of their employment.

Mr. Kilroy-Silk

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he is satisfied that the 3 per cent. disablement quota is being properly met on Merseyside, Ormskirk and in Kirkby; and what further steps he proposes to take so as to ensure that disabled people find employment.

Mr. Peter Morrison

In the areas in question the proportions of employers subject to a quota who employed 3 per cent. or more registered disabled people on 1 June 1980, the latest date for which information is available, were as follows: Merseyside 40.2 per cent., Ormskirk 48.4 per cent., Kirkby 62.8 per cent. The comparable figure for Great Britain was 35.1 per cent.

The Manpower Services Commission is currently reviewing the quota scheme. I look forward to receiving the commission's recommendations soon on a future strategy for helping disabled people whether registered or unregistered to get and keep suitable jobs.

I am not convinced that enough is being done generally to provide equality of opportunity for disabled people in all aspects of employment. The Government therefore fully endorsed the Manpower Services Commission's "Fit for Work" campaign on behalf of disabled people, which encourages employers to consider abilities first, rather than disabilities.

Mr. Carter-Jones

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if, in view of anxieties regarding the future provision of employment for disabled people, he is satisfied that a two-year period will be adequate for the new committees for employment of disabled people to be tried out adequately; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Peter Morrison

I shall reply to the hon. Member as soon as possible.