---

Dept for Work and Pensions

Answer

Mr. Dhanda: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what steps his Department is taking to help disabled people find employment. [224541] Maria Eagle: There are a number of programmes, such as Access to Work, Work Preparation and Workstep designed to help disabled people return to work. Jobcentre Plus also offers interviews with a personal adviser to all disabled people making new or repeat claims to qualifying benefits to ensure they are aware of the help and opportunities available to them. Access to Work is a specialist disability programme, which provides practical advice and support to help disabled people enter or stay in paid employment. Work Preparation is an individually tailored, work- focused programme that enables disabled people to address barriers associated with their disability and prepare for working with the confidence necessary to achieve and sustain their job goal. Workstep provides support in jobs for disabled people who have more complex barriers to finding and keeping work but who, with the right support, can work effectively and develop in their job. Longer-term support continues to be available for those who need it and is a major element of the programme. Disabled people may also receive help through the new deal programme. New deal for disabled people is a voluntary programme which gives customers on qualifying disability or health-related benefits in England, Scotland and Wales access to a network of job brokers. Job brokers work with customers to help them compete in the labour market and support them in finding and keeping a job. Disabled people may also receive help through other new deal programmes such as the new deal for young people, new deal 25-plus, new deal 50-plus, and new deal for lone parents.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

432 c1690-1W;432 c1686W; 224541

Session

2004-05

Subjects

Disability Employment Employment schemes

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk