In 2010, the then Government pledged the laudable aim to halve the disability employment gap. With the current employment gap remaining at a stubborn 32 percentage points between disabled and non-disabled people, this is clearly an area that needs due attention and an innovative approach to change the status quo. This Green Paper starts a debate on how to transform the employment prospects of disabled people and those with long-term health conditions.

Though the focus of the paper is broadly promising by including measures to improve the role of employers and a consideration of how there can be better integration of localised support services between Jobcentre Plus, disabled people and the voluntary sector, the overall approach fails to holistically examine the gaps in available support for all disabled people who wish to work. Thus there are tensions between measures to provide employment support and guidance for disabled people and cuts to benefits such as the Employment Support Allowance for those placed in the Work Related Activity Group.

This seminar will look at the core proposals put forward by the Green Paper and examine how the approach can be more inclusive and holistic to better support all disabled people – including those with complex needs – to realise their aspirations in the workplace should they wish to work, and provide appropriate protection for those who need it.

Speaker: Richard Kramer, Deputy Chief Executive, Sense