Written question asked by David Crausby (Labour) on Friday, 3 December 1999, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 15 December 1999. It was answered by Elliot Morley (Labour) on Wednesday, 15 December 1999 on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.

Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food

Question: To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, what percentage of the total workforce in his Department is registered as disabled; and what steps he is taking to encourage the employment of disabled people within his Department.

Answer: Mr. Crausby: To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what percentage of the total workforce in his Department is registered as disabled; and what steps he is taking to encourage the employment of disabled people within his Department. [101668] Mr. Morley: 6.8 per cent. of staff in core MAFF have declared that they consider they have a disability which falls within the provisions of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995. The percentage is 6.0 per cent. when Agency staff are included. We encourage the employment of people with disabilities by including equal opportunities statements in all job advertisements and providing reasonable adjustments at interview and during employment. For most clerical posts and equivalents we offer selection tests for people with disabilities who do not have the required academic qualifications. We employ people under the Employment Service's Supported Employment Scheme and provide mechanisms for helping staff with disabilities to adjust to any changes in their situation. We also have an ongoing programme of building works to improve access for people with disabilities.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 341 c231W; 101668
Session: 1999-00
Subjects: Disability Equality Government departments Staff Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food
Contains statistics: Yes