Press Release

Minister for third sector joins line-up for employment summit

14 April 2008

Despite the fact that two thirds of people with learning disabilities want to work, less than one in five are given the opportunity. That’s why on Thursday 15th May national learning disability charity United Response is hosting a unique two part event exploring the barriers people with learning disabilities face in finding employment and ways to support them. Phil Hope, minister for the third sector, Naomi Eisenstadt, director of the Social Exclusion Task Force and Susan Scott Parker, chief executive of the Employer’s Forum on Disability, will be among the senior spokespeople from the public and private sector, while employers and employees will be sharing their real life experiences. The event, sponsored by Unum, will be held in London.

The event will begin with a Business Breakfast, including a roundtable for employers to share their experiences and to discuss the support they need in supporting people into the work place. This will be followed by the launch of an in-depth study of one of United Response’s supported employment schemes – what worked and what didn’t – and its findings. There will be discussion around policy implications, and how the Government, third sector and business can work together to make supported employment a success.

To attend this free of charge event, or to find out more, please contact Laura Golland by email (laura.golland@unitedresponse.org.uk) or telephone (020 8246 5221).