§ David HamiltonTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what plans he has to help disabled people back to work. [87669]
§ Mr. Nicholas BrownDisabled people can take part in the mainstream Jobcentre Plus employment and training programmes, and have full access to all its services. In addition, Jobcentre Plus has a range of specialist employment programmes to support disabled people who want to work. The Access to Work programme provides advice and practical help for disabled people with the additional employment costs, for example, in travelling to work, adapting the work place, obtaining special equipment and support workers, which result from disability. WORKSTEP provides job support to disabled people who face more complex barriers to finding and keeping work.
Our New Deal for Disabled People is the first national programme designed specifically to support people with health conditions and disabilities move into and keep jobs. Since the national extension of the programme began, it has helped over 6,000 people into jobs and nearly 28,000 have registered with job brokers to actively pursue employment. Disabled people can also take part in other Jobcentre Plus employment programmes, and have full access to all its services.
Our Green Paper, "Pathways to Work: Helping People into Employment' (Cm 5690), sets out our strategy for enabling people with health problems and disabilities to move into work, and so become and remain independent. From late October 2003, we will offer in pilot areas: early, more frequent support from skilled personal advisers; direct access to a range of comprehensive specialist programmes; and clear financial incentives to work.