Surge in disabled employment good news for the economy

The Department for Work and Pensions has published the latest Work Choice statistics up to September 2014. Work Choice, the national specialist disability employment programme, has helped nearly 30,000 disabled people into jobs since the programme began in October 2010. Figures show that 38% of Work Choice clients have been helped into work nationally, a rise of almost 3,000 job outcomes compared to the three months earlier.

Work Choice is the national employment programme supporting people with disabilities, health problems or impairments whose needs cannot be met by mainstream provision.

The programme is helping to drive up the employment rate of people with disabilities, health problems or impairments facing the most severe barriers to work across the UK. National employment statistics published today show the employment rate of disabled people has risen at a faster rate than non-disabled people in the past year.

Shaw Trust is a prime provider of 16 Work Choice contracts, and a subcontractor in seven Work Choice contract package areas.

The Trust has supported 18,000 disabled people into work – nearly 40% of their client base. This is above the national average.

Roy O’Shaughnessy, chief executive of Shaw Trust, said:

“Across the board, Shaw Trust Work Choice contracts are supporting a surge in employment opportunities for people with disabilities. The performance of Work Choice highlights the advantage of having a national specialist programme to support disabled people into work.

“Shaw Trust is motivated by how work can transform lives. Increased job opportunities strengthen independence, social inclusion and ensure disabled people play a more equal role in their community. Shaw Trust offers personalised support to our Work Choice clients and works closely with employers to find sustainable jobs. The Trust has found that employers are increasingly aware of the advantages a more diverse workforce can bring to their businesses.

“However, we believe improvements can still be made. In particular, a more joined up approach between local authorities and government, including joint working between agencies and the co-design of services, could achieve better results. We are not complacent about the challenge, but today’s figures show that Work Choice is making a positive difference to the lives of thousands of disabled people.”