HC Deb 20 March 2002 vol 382 cc415-6W
Mr. Boswell

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what recent representations he has received on the introduction of rehabilitation leave after trauma or sudden infirmity. [44264]

Maria Eagle

At their conference on 7 March the Royal National Institute for the Blind, in their employment strategy document Work Matters, raised the issue of disability leave to allow people losing their sight to get time off work for intensive rehabilitation, mobility training and the opportunity to learn new skills.

The Disability Rights Task Force considered this and concluded that the reasonable adjustment provisions of the Disability Discrimination Act provide adequate arrangements for employees affected. We are continuing to work with the Disability Rights Commission and employers to promote the retention and rehabilitation of people who become disabled.