The government have published a White Paper called Get Britain working – it says their plans to change the different kinds of help to work there is for young people and disabled people.
There are positive actions in the plan to work across government on.
We hope this plan will lead to a focus on contribution so many more people with learning disabilities can work but also the other contributions people can make are supported and valued.
Having meaning and purpose are key to living a good life.
It is important that we can all experience the sense of belonging that comes from feeling valued and respected for the contribution we can make.
Many people have had bad experiences of disability assessments or no support to find or keep a job, so they need action not only words to build trust that this is a plan for everyone to get good work.
For example, one member said:
‘I support a brilliant neurodiverse artist, who could come off benefits and make a living as an artist – they currently live in fear of even trying to sell a painting in case they are caught out. They are too scared to contact the Department of Work and Pensions to discuss it, in case this triggers another humiliating assessment. We need a kinder and more humane system’.
Kumudu Perera, Member rep said:
‘We want to see real change – Rebranding is not good enough. There needs to be lived experience of disability at the heart of this and people of different backgrounds working on this. Some of us experience different kinds of discrimination that make working harder. This plan could help change that’.
Gary Bourlet, Membership lead said:
‘It is all about the right support, so people get work or the right financial support. It is good the plan says they will work with disabled people – Learning Disability England will help members work with the government on this plan so it can be the change we all want to see’.
