§ Mr. WeirTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what action he is taking to improve the job prospects of those with mental health problems. [60786]
§ Mr. Nicholas BrownWe have a wide range of programmes that have proved successful in helping people with disabilities, including those with mental health problems, secure work where they are ready and able to do so.
631WOver 8,200 people were helped into work through the New Deal for Disabled People pilots and building on that success we have established a national network of Job Brokers. The New Deal enables those with a health condition or disability to find and move into work and to help themselves to become, and remain, independent. And from this April we have introduced new permitted work rules in Incapacity Benefit to make it easier for people to make the first moves into work.
People with mental health problems can also take part in all the main Jobcentre Plus programmes and have full access to its services. Disability Employment Advisers provide specialist support to disabled jobseekers, disabled employees and their employers. The roll-out of integrated Jobcentre Plus offices is providing disabled people with work-focused meetings with a personal adviser to ensure they are aware of all the help and opportunities available to them.