§ Mr. Win GriffithsTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will list the districts of the Benefits Agency which have not received the equal opportunities validation symbol; and what are the reasons for their failure in each case.
§ Mr. BurtThe administration of Benefits Agency staff is a matter for Mr. Michael Bichard, the chief executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to the hon. Member with such information as is available, and a copy will be placed in the Library.
Letter from Mr. M. Bichard to Mr. Win Griffiths, dated 26 July 1993:
As Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency it is my responsibility to answer questions about relevant operational matters. I am, therefore, replying to your recent Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Social Security asking if he will list the Districts of the Benefits Agency which have not received the equal opportunities validation symbol; and what are the reasons for their failure in each case.The Disability symbol of 2 ticks and 2 dots was introduced by Employment Services for use by employers who wished to show 232W their commitment to employing people with disabilities. All Districts within the Benefits Agency were encouraged to use the symbol and many in fact did so.In June this year, the symbol was revised and criteria for its use were introduced. The Benefits Agency, in common with other Government Departments and Agencies, is currently looking at the implications of using the new symbol and complying with the criteria. This in no way affects the way we treat disabled people and our policies and procedures are in line with best practice and Civil Service policy on the employment of people with disabilities.I hope you find this reply helpful. A copy will appear in the Official Report and a copy will also be placed in the Library.