HC Deb 29 April 2003 vol 404 cc338-9W
Mr. Boswell

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if he will report progress on meeting targets for the proportion of disabled people in senior civil service positions. [110058]

Mr. Alexander

As at October 2002, 1.7 per cent. of staff at Senior Civil Service level are disabled, compared with 1.5 per cent. in 1998.

We have set a target to increase the proportion of disabled staff at SCS level to 3 per cent. by 2005, and we are taking steps to increase the rate of progress.

This includes refocusing the centrally-run Bursary Scheme for Disabled Staff on staff with potential to reach the Senior Civil Service; producing guidance to support managers on a range of issues including recruitment of disabled people, mental health issues and providing reasonable adjustments; and running a Summer Placement Scheme in 2003 to provide work placements for 60 disabled graduates and undergraduates across the Service.