§ Mr. CrausbyTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what percentage of the total workforce in his Department is registered as disabled; and what steps he is taking to encourage the employment of disabled people in his Department. [102050]
§ Mr. HainAs at 1 October 1999, 111 staff (2 per cent.) had declared themselves as disabled in a voluntary survey. The FCO is committed to the employment of people with disabilities. In September 1998 the Department qualified for the Employment Service Two ticks symbol "Positive about disabled people". Under this scheme the Department guarantees an interview to anybody with a disability where the application meets the minimum criteria for the post. Particular arrangements are put into place for tests and interviews when requested by the candidate. Reasonable adjustments are made to the working environment for new entrants with disabilities. The FCO has appointed a Disabled Persons Officer to deal with disability issues within the Office.