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Dept for Work and Pensions

Answer

Mr. Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how his Department is working to help Remploy provide more opportunities for learning and employment to disabled people. [159426] Maria Eagle: The Government agree Remploy's annual business plan, and set the targets for the employment and development of disabled people through the company's Workstep programme. Remploy are supported by the Government through investment of grant-in-aid each year; in 2003-04, this was set at £115 million. Remploy supports around 9,000 people on the Workstep programme nationally. During 2002-03, 1,610 disabled people progressed into unsupported employment with their help. At a local level, Jobcentre Plus Disability Employment Advisers work closely with Remploy to ensure disabled people are referred appropriately for support from the company. In addition, Remploy recruit to the Workstep programme directly. Remploy is separately contracted to deliver other Jobcentre Plus programmes, including New Deal for Disabled People, Work Preparation and Work Based Learning for Adults. These contracts are paid for and organised separately from the grant-in-aid given to Remploy for delivery of the Workstep programme. In 2003-04, Remploy's target is that each employee should spend 5 per cent. of their time on learning and development activities; they are currently on course to exceed this. In addition, Remploy is currently developing a network of learning centres, to provide all their employees with access to learning opportunities.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

419 c93W; 159426

Session

2003-04

Subjects

Disability Employment Employment schemes Standards Remploy Workstep

Contains statistics

Yes

Link

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