§ Mr. Robert Atkinsasked the Secretary of State for Employment when the Manpower Services Commission's code of good practice on the employment of disabled people will be issued; and if he will make a statement.
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§ Mr. Alan ClarkThe Manpower Services Commission's "Code of Good Practice on the Employment of Disabled People" is being published today and is being formally launched at a reception for winners of the fit for work awards scheme, at which the Prime Minister is guest of honour. Copies of the code have been placed in the Library.
The code was prepared by the commission in response to a request in July 1982 by the Government for a code of good practice in the employment of disabled people for use on a voluntary basis. It has been prepared in consultation with a wide range of interested organisations including those representing employers, trade unions and the interests of disabled people. In its final form it has been unanimously approved by the Commission and endorsed by the National Advisory Council on the Employment of Disabled People, which advises both the commission and the Secretary of State for Employment. We also welcome the endorsement of the TUC and CBI.
The code sets out for the first time in a comprehensive form standards which employers should adopt in employing disabled people and provides practical advice and information to help them meet those standards. It also recognises the role others, notably employees and their representatives, have to play, and there is a special section addressed to them.
The Government welcome and endorse the code. We believe that it represents an important and practical tool for ensuring that the abilities of disabled people are more fully recognised and their potential at work properly fulfilled. I hope that Members on both sides of the House will give their full support to the code and that the guidance it gives will be widely adopted.