§ Mr. Jim MarshallTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment what measures he is taking to encourage the employment of people with disabilities in the horticultural industry.
§ Miss WiddecombeThe Department has a wide range of initiatives and services which help enhance employment opportunities for people with disabilities, including those wishing to work in the horticultural industry. We will continue our programme of educating and persuading employers to adopt good employment practices for disabled people. We will also continue to provide effective practical help to both employers and disabled individuals.
The Government have also introduced a Disability Discrimination Bill which will make it unlawful for an employer to treat a disabled person less favourably because of his or her disability, without justifiable reason.