Welfare reform must be coupled with a change in attitudes and more resources

24 July 2006

The national disability charity United Response (UR) is calling for greater measures to tackle stigma and for more investment in job support as the Welfare Reform Bill receives its second reading in the House of Commons today (24th July).

Su Sayer OBE, UR’s Chief Executive said:

“United Response supports the government’s measures to reform the welfare system. But we believe that more resources must be made available to provide people with the ongoing support they need.

“Many people with learning disabilities or mental health needs want to work. And our experience has shown that with the right support people can become highly effective employees, valued by both their colleagues and their employers.

“But stigma continues to be a huge barrier for many people looking to enter or return to the workplace.

“Some employers still have negative attitudes towards employing someone with a learning disability or a mental health need for the first time.

“Welfare reform on its own will do little to change this. The government needs to actively work with employers to address their concerns and to support them as they in turn support others.”

“We are concerned that without these extra measures people will be penalised by a system which encourages them to work, but which does not offer the ongoing support they need to get and hold down a job.”