HC Deb 03 June 1992 vol 208 cc583-5W
Mr. McMaster

To ask the hon. Member for Berwick-upon-Tweed, as representing the House of Commons Commission (1) what percentage of the total work force employed by the House of Commons Commission is registered as disabled; what steps he is taking to encourage the employment of disabled people within the House; and if he will make a statement;

(2) if he has any plans to implement additional measures to encourage the employment of disabled people in the House; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Beith

The number of registered disabled persons employed by the Commission represents 0.7 per cent. of the total House of Commons staff. That figure does not include registered disabled persons employed by Members or by organisations in the House for which the Commission does not at present have responsibility.

The Commission's policy on the employment of disabled persons is based on the policy set out in the Commission's fourth annual report for 1981–82 (HC 418, Session 1981–82). The Commission has appointed a disabled persons officer who is responsible for promulgating the Commission's policy on the employment of disabled people and for advising management and staff on matters concerning disablement. He keeps up to date with civil service policy on disablement and from time to time arranges seminars for departmental management with organisations concerned with disabled people.

Implementation of the Commission's policy is effected through a number of practical measures:

  1. (1) All press advertisements for vacancies in the House of Commons Service bear the legend "Applications from Registered Disabled Persons are welcomed".
  2. (2) information is given to applicants for House of Commons vacancies which makes it clear that disablement in itself is not a bar to employment provided the disability does not prevent the postholder from satisfactorily carrying out the duties of the post.
  3. (3) Management will provide special equipment, appliances, etc. to assist disabled staff in carrying out their duties.
  4. (4) Provided registered disabled applicants for House of Commons posts have the qualifications and experience called for in recruitment literature, they will be called to interview unless it is clear from their application form that their disability would prevent them from satisfactorily carrying out the duties of the post.
  5. (5) An unestablished (health) appointment may be offered in cases where there is a doubt as to whether a candidate can meet the House of Commons Service health standard. This provides a period of employment for up to five years in which a candidate's health can he reviewed prior to a final decision being taken on whether he/she satisfies the health standard required for permanent appointments.
  6. (6) Registered disabled persons who do not possess the academic qualifications specified for certain clerical posts may opt to take the clerical tests as a means of providing evidence that their general level of education is adequate to meet the needs of the post.

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