Mr. Ron Brownasked the Secretary of State for Employment, in view of the 410W fact that very few employers honour the 3 per cent, employment quota for registered disabled people, whether he will take steps to implement the Disabled Persons (Employment) Act 1944.
§ Mr. Jim LesterI am advised by the Manpower Services Commission that over the years the number of people in the Disabled Persons Register has fallen to such an extent that it is no longer possible for employers generally to satisfy the quota.
It is also likely that there is considerably more unregistered than registered disabled people in employment. The quota information does not therefore indicate the true extent to which employment is being provided for disabled people.
The quota scheme is being reviewed,, and a discussion document was issued by the commission in May which explores all the options for the future and invites the comments of interested parties. It is hoped that the discussion document will provoke constructive comment which will help decide the best way of protecting and enhancing employment opportunities for disabled people generally.