§ Mr. CrausbyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions 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. [102049]
§ Ms Beverley HughesWe are acting to encourage the employment of people with disabilities. In this Department the total number of staff with disabilities is 3 per cent.
As authorised users of the Positive about Disabled People (two ticks) symbol, an Employment Service scheme, the Department guarantees interviews to all people with disabilities meeting the minimum criteria for 340W the job. DETR recruitment policy highlights the importance of fair and open competition, all adverts placed advertise that the Department is an equal opportunities employer. Guidance is provided to line managers on the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 to highlight best practice with regard to the employment of staff with disabilities.