BASE News Archive

Two further projects are due to be launched in Derby and Newcastle by the end of 2006 and all 27 projects will be rolled out by the end of 2007. Seven regional coordinators will be recruited across the UK to manage the project at a local level.

Disabled people interested in finding out more about Ready to Start should contact Linda Holland, National Project Manager for Ready to Start, on 020 7802 8200 or email linda.holland@lc-uk.org. More details are available on the Leonard Cheshire Website

11 September 2006: New approaches needed to promote worker health and well-being

A new, 'joined up' approach is required to tackle the on-going problem of workplace ill-health in the UK. Occupational ill health and injury in the UK have high financial and personal costs for employers and employees. Around 28million working days are lost each year to occupational ill health and seven million days are lost due to workplace injury. Absence due to sickness costs the UK around £12billion each year.
How should the UK's occupational health challenges best be addressed? More

11 September 2006: Mental health resource list for employers

The DRC, Sainsbury Centre for Mental Health, National Institute for Mental Health in England and other mental health and employment experts have compiled a list of good practice resources and useful information for employers about mental health.

The document aims to enable employers to improve their policies and practices around recruiting and retaining staff with mental health problems. Read the Document

08 September 2006: Work is good for mental and physical health

Following a published government-backed review, It has been found that Work is good for mental and physical health.
The report , Is Work Good for your Health and Well-being?, finds that unemployment can cause mental health problems and increase the likelihood of people becoming disabled or obese, but these problems can be reversed when people return to work.
The review was commissioned by DWP as part of the Health, work and well-being strategy. The findings support the Government's commitment to help more people to enter into, remain in and return to work. Launching the report, health, work and well-being minister Lord Hunt said work benefited communities by reducing health and wealth inequalities.

Click here to read the report.

07 September 2006: Scottish Union of Supported Employment National Conference

The Scottish Union of Supported Employment National Conference will take place at the Peebles Hydro Hotel, Peebles. This two day conference will concentrate on the SUSE Blueprint for Supported Employment in Scotland and the new Scottish Business Diversity Awards.
For more details and booking form click here

01 September 2006: New human rights convention for disabled people agreed at the United Nations

A significant step forward in enabling disabled people across the world to enjoy full participation in society has been achieved at the United Nations, where the text of a Human Rights Convention for disabled people has been agreed. This agreement followed extensive negotiations that began back in 2002, and in which the UK played a high-profile role whilst holding the Presidency of the European Union in the later half of 2005.

Anne McGuire, Minister for Disabled People, said:

“I am sure many across the world will look to this Convention as a long overdue victory for all disabled people. “It was important for the UK that the agreed text adequately protected the human rights of 650 million disabled people worldwide and that the negotiations were concluded in the shortest time possible. I am pleased that we have succeeded on both counts. I now look forward to the General Assembly’s adoption of the agreed text and to the United Kingdom’s ratification of the Convention. “I am also pleased that the UK’s decision to allow Dr Richard Light to be part of these negotiations and to represent the views of the UK disability community has proved so valuable in ensuring that the Convention meets the approval of those it sets out to protect.” More

29 August 2006: Workstep Distance Travelled Project

Following on from the WORKSTEP Programme evaluation, DWP has commissioned the Centre for Public Policy, at Northumbria University to undertake a new two year project. This research will explore a distance travelled approach to WORKSTEP development planning and aims to develop and pilot a tool for the measurement of ‘in-programme’ progression or distance travelled for supported employees.

The research team working on this project would be very interested to hear from any BASE members who currently use a 'distance travelled' approach to their work with supported employees. Click here for contact details and more about the Workstep Distance Travelled Project.

24 August 2006: People with learning difficulties and employment

The largest employer of people with disabilities is Remploy, the national agency that provides work and support to 9,000 disabled people. Mainstream employers simply do not employ disabled people in the same numbers, and this is especially true regarding people with learning disabilities.

Helping employers understand that they can successfully hire a person with a disability is the role of David Bailey, employment development co-ordinator for the charity United Response. He believes one barrier to this currently happening is employers not having the time to devote to expanding their workforce this way. More...

Another article on employment for people with learning difficulties was published on the same day, click here to read the article titled "What are the options for people with learning difficulties who want to work?"

22 August 2006: Create national service framework for people with learning difficulties, say professionals

Jim Blair, a senior university lecturer in learning difficulties in London, and Mike Kennard, chief executive of charity Signalong, have launched a consultation following the Cornwall findings and lack of national targets in the sector to gauge opinion ahead of a meeting of policy-makers in the autumn.

However, a Department of Health spokesperson said she was unaware of the proposal and that it was “unlikely to be considered” while work continued to implement the government’s Valuing People white paper, which was published in 2001.

17 August 2006: Modernisation Funds Report

The Modernisation Funds Report has now been published, and is available via the DWP web site. To read the report click here

The Centre for Public Policy research team would like to thank all the providers for the time they gave both for this project and the WORKSTEP Programme evaluation. It was very much appreciated and clearly they couldn't have carried out their work without the help and support of providers.

14 August 2006: Free lunch for volunteers

New rules will mean people on benefits who volunteer will no longer have to bear the cost of their meals Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, John Hutton, has announced. Unlike childcare costs and special clothing, meal time costs have never been an expense that could be disregarded for benefits purposes when an individual is volunteering. The change will mean that in future, meals will be treated as an expense that volunteers can claim back. Previously, they were expected to meet the cost of meals out of their benefits.

11 August 2006: LSC response to Peter Little report

The LSC has published its response to Peter Little's report, "Through Inclusion to Excellence". The LSC has committed itself to implementing all the recommendations for which it is wholly or partly responsible and for publishing a national and regional strategies in the autumn/winter of 2006. Implementation of the strategy will be monitored by the LSC's Equality and Diversity Sub-committee for People with Learning difficulties and Disabilities and Peter Little has been invited to join this sub-committee. Read the LSC response

10 August 2006: Courses cut for adults with learning difficulties as skills priorities shift

Courses for adults with learning difficulties are being cut across England due to government training priorities, it has emerged this week.

Further education leaders have said the government's emphasis on courses leading to level 2 qualifications - equivalent to GCSE - has been reflected in funding from the Learning and Skills Council, which plans and funds further education.

As a result some courses for adults with learning difficulties which do not meet this requirement have been dropped by colleges. More...

10 August 2006: Plan to cut health and care elements of education for disabled people criticised

Learning and Skills Council proposals to stop funding the health and care elements of education for people with learning difficulties and/or disabilities are criticised in a report today.

In Through Inclusion to Excellence published in November 2005, the LSC said “millions of pounds” could be freed up to fund learning if other agencies contributed more towards the health and care elements of education packages. More...

08 August 2006: Report on work for people with learning difficulties delayed and marginalised

The government has been slammed for delaying and then marginalising a key report on employment opportunities for people with learning difficulties. The Working Group on Learning Disabilities and Employment report, published last week was completed 18 months ago, group members have said. The report was only published last week on the Valuing People Support Team website, with no announcement from the departments of health or work and pensions, which sponsored the group.

David Congdon, head of policy and campaigns at Mencap and a group member, said: “I’m very concerned that the recommendations will be ignored.” Fellow group member Huw Davies, chair of the British Association for Supported Employment, said the government had shelved the report because the recommendations were “a bit challenging”. It found that workers with learning difficulties were paid less than the minimum wage.

07 August 2006: Disability website launched today

A new website, www.imagesofdisability.gov.uk , which contains guidance about portraying disabled people in communications materials, was launched today.

The website is aimed primarily at communications professionals to provide them with support and guidance in producing effective and inclusive depictions of disabled people. It has been compiled through extensive consultation with the Images of Disability Steering Group1 which includes representatives from the Disability Rights Commission, to ensure both accuracy of information and to gain support and input. More...

02 August 2006: 8th European Union of Supported Employment Conference 2007

The Northern Ireland Union of Supported Employment is pleased to invite you to attend the 8th Conference of the European Union of Supported Employment in the Waterfront Hall, Belfast, Northern Ireland from 13 to 15 June 2007.

For Expression of Interest or further information email: info@euseconference2007.org

02 August 2006: Workers with learning difficulties paid less than minimum wage

A “worrying” number of employment providers for people with learning difficulties are paying workers less than the minimum wage, a new report has revealed. Many local authority and voluntary sector providers are “in breach” of national minimum wage rules, with some “simply avoiding the issue,” according to the report by a government working group on learning difficulties and employment. The report, "Improving Work Opportunities for People with a Learning Disability", was published in early July and AfSE was a member of the group that produced it (see news article 5 July 2006). More...

30 July: DRC Online Survey of Opinion Formers

The Disability Rights Commission (DRC) has asked the Office for Public Management (OPM) to conduct research into the views of the key opinion formers that the Commission has been or will be communicating with as part of its work: senior decision makers and leaders across the public, private, media and voluntary sectors. This follows similar research conducted in 2003 and covers England, Scotland and Wales.

To complete the survey click here (deadline 1st August 2006)

27 July 2006: Welfare reform - Cities strategy: 13 successful areas announced

In a radical overhaul of how the Welfare State provides services, Secretary of State John Hutton announced the names of the 13 successful cities and towns that will be given greater freedom to provide individually tailored programmes and solutions to local problems.

The successful areas granted Cities Strategy pathfinder status submitted plans to pool resources and expertise in order to tackle the specific problems that have stopped people from getting into work in that area. The government is providing £5 million to get the plans off the ground and areas, that are successful in meeting targets agreed with government, will be eligible for additional funding that can be re-invested into local services and priorities.More...

26 July 2006: Outside expert appointed for disability equality drive

Minister for Disabled People Anne McGuire announced yesterday that Sally Witcher, currently Chair of the Disability Employment Advisory Committee (DEAC), has been appointed as an Assistant Director of the Government’s Office for Disability Issues (ODI). Sally has a track record of working in various roles in the disability and poverty fields and will bring a fresh perspective to the ODI’s work.

Speaking at a meeting of the All Party Group on Disability, Anne McGuire said, “I am delighted that Sally Witcher has accepted this post within the Office for Disability Issues. We need to tap into knowledge and expertise from outside Government if we are to be successful in delivering equality for disabled people. Sally has an impressive record of both campaigning and working with Government to improve the lives of disabled people and will make a huge contribution to the work of the ODI.”

Sally, who has personal experience of disability, will take up her new post at the heart of delivering the Government’s strategy for disabled people from October. Speaking today, she said “The Office for Disability Issues has a vitally important role to play in placing disabled people’s views at the heart of public policy and supporting Government to deliver disability equality. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to be involved in taking this forward.”

20 July 2006: Independent Living Funds Review: Call for evidence

Independent Consultants, Melanie Henwood and Bob Hudson, have been appointed by the Minister for Disabled People, Anne McGuire, to undertake the Review of the Independent Living Funds (ILFs). The Review will report at the end of December 2006. The Review is being undertaken in line with Cabinet Office guidance addressing:

• whether a Non-Departmental Public Body (NDPB) continues to be the best way to deliver the service, and, if so
• how delivery of those services can be improved upon.

As part of the Review they are inviting concise, written submissions addressing the following issues:

• What do you believe to be the strengths and weaknesses of the ILFs?
• How do you see the ILFs relating to other ‘cash for care’ models (notably Direct Payments and Individual Budgets)?
• Are current arrangements for delivering the ILFs best suited to its purpose within a changing policy context?
• What changes, if any, do you believe are required in the way in which the ILFs operate?

Stakeholders have been asked to provide written submissions, in electronic form by 31 August 2006 to ILF-Review@dwp.gsi.gov.uk

Public consultation events for individual service users are being held across the UK from 8 August 2006:
Belfast – 21 August
Edinburgh – 4 September
London – 17 August
Leeds – 31 August
Newport, South Wales – 8 August

Enquiries to: ILF Review 6th Floor, The Adelphi, 1 – 11 John Adam Street, London WC2N 6HT

20 July 2006: Revised guidance on the Factory Support Grant for the use of providers with supported businesses

The new guidance is clearer with more comprehensively described funding principles and a simplified business plan checklist.

Click here to read the revised guidance

20 July 2006: WORKSTEP inspections - changes involving initial phase

The Adult Learning Inspectorate (ALI) visits to WORKSTEP providers in 'cycle 2' will now consider activity prior to Jobstart.

If you wish to read the article which sets out briefly those areas click here.

19 July: DRC - a year of achievement

The annual report and accounts of the Disability Rights Commission (DRC) were published today.

Laying the Report before Parliament, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions John Hutton said, “This Annual Report demonstrates the Commission’s many achievements during an important year for disabled people. The Disability Discrimination Act 2005 significantly extended and strengthened disability rights and I look forward to working with the DRC in the year ahead as we continue to implement the Act’s provisions and deliver better outcomes for disabled people.”

Anne McGuire, Minister for Disabled People, said, “The DRC is an important voice for disabled people and a major force in ensuring legislation delivers in reality. During the last year its wide-ranging activities have included initiating its Disability Debate about the future agenda; contributing to the development of proposals for a Commission for Equality and Human Rights; helping thousands of disabled people and those with duties under the DDA to recognise their rights and responsibilities; drafting codes of practice and supporting disabled people in enforcing their rights.”

19 July 2006: Remploy review published

The Department for Work and Pensions has published the national review of Remploy. The report was originally meant to be published in May but was delayed by requests for further work to be completed. The report seems short on recommendations but finds that Remploy could be much more effective if it transferred investment away from factories and into open placements. The report shows that the average annual subsidy for Remploy factory workers is £18,000 per person, with the highest subsidies over £48,000 per person. It uses a figure of £5000 per placement in its comparisons with other provision. The report puts forward a range of possible scenarios for the business – from ‘no change’ to complete closure of the factory network.

Anne McGuire announced that she would not be accepting either of these options, and announced the government would give Remploy additional funding in this financial year to prevent immediate closures. The minister confirmed a five year funding envelope of £111 million per year to enable the company to plan for the future and set a new aspiration of helping significantly more disabled people into work. Read the report...

17 July 2006: Give service users more jobs in mental health, urges report

The NHS should employ more people who have used mental health services, according to a report published yesterday by the Sainsbury Centre for Mental Health and Disability Rights Commission.

It says a more diverse workforce would provide more sensitive services and change the “them and us” culture. Read the report.

A second report by the Sainsbury Centre, in conjunction with the King’s Fund, found that mental health and learning difficulty services users would like more choice between different treatment, care and support options.

14 July 2006: Government announces independent living review for disabled people

A review of Government policy on independent living for disabled people was today announced by Baroness Royall, Government Whip and Health spokesperson.

Speaking during the second reading of the Disabled Persons (Independent Living) Bill in Parliament today, Baroness Royall said, “Independent living is a reality for some disabled people in spite of the disabling barriers that still exist. However, in its fullest sense, independent living is still a dream for too many. The Government has made huge strides in enabling more disabled people to live autonomously, but there is a long way still to go before disabled people have the same choice, freedom, dignity and control over their lives as non-disabled people. That is why we have set up a review to make independent living a possibility for all disabled people. This cross-Government Independent Living Review will identify the practical next steps we need to take and look for creative solutions to the many obstacles faced by disabled people."

The review project will be led by a team in the Office for Disability Issues, with Jenny Morris as its Executive Director. It will be steered and shaped by an Independent Living Expert Panel, chaired by Dame Jane Campbell. The review will regularly report progress to the Independent Living Expert Panel. Detailed proposals are expected to be published in Summer 2007.

The review will initially take 12 months and will:

• Bring together the views and experience of officials from central and local Government, disabled people and organisations of disabled people
• Develop imaginative new solutions in the areas of health, social care, transport, employment and housing
• Develop thinking on the relationship between independent living and individual budgets
• Make practical proposals for activity to support independent living.

13 July 2006: Office for Disability Issues – First Annual Report to the Prime Minister

The Government's Office for Disability Issues (ODI) has today published its first Annual Report to the Prime Minister, detailing the progress that is being made towards realising the Government's ambitious vision for real equality for disabled people by 2025.

Welcoming the report, the Prime Minister said:

“ For too long, disabled people have been marginalised in our society. They have found themselves denied the chance to exercise choice and control over their lives and, too often, been excluded from the workplace.
The Government is determined to put that right. That's why I welcome this first report of the Office for Disability Issues, which shows the progress being made in removing the barriers to a more equal society in which all can play their full part." More...

11 July 2006: New advisory body to tackle ethnic minority unemployment announced

A new independent body has been launched today to help ethnic minorities find work. The Ethnic Minority Advisory Group (EMAG), which is made up of twenty two representatives from across the ethnic community, has been set up as part of the Government’s welfare reform agenda to boost employment opportunities for ethnic minorities. Statistics reveal that, although the employment rate in Great Britain is the highest of all the G8 countries at 75 percent, ethnic minority employment is 15 per cent lower. The EMAG aims to narrow this gap and help get more people closer to the workplace. More...

10 July 2006: New disability body to advise Government

Anne McGuire has announced that the Government is setting up a new mechanism to involve disabled people in the heart of policy-making. An advisory group has identified that there is a need for a new body to work with the Government to help them achieve the aim of equality for disabled people by 2025. It will provide advice and information from disabled people based upon the values underpinning the work of the forum and the views and experiences of disabled people.

The non-departmental public body will be known as "Equality 2025: the United Kingdom Advisory Network on Disability Equality" and will have 20 to 25 members, who will all be disabled people. It will not replace existing Departmental arrangements for involving disabled people in policy-making, but supplement them. It is expected that Equality 2025 will be launched later this year. More...

7 July 2006: Ministerial hearings on services for disabled children

HM Treasury and the Department for Education and Skills have announced a cross-cutting review of services for disabled children and their families. The findings will help the Government to develop its public spending plans for the next three years from 2008. Ministers have asked MPs to gather evidence over the summer and put forward practical recommendations to the cross-cutting review in the autumn. There are a number of Ministerial Hearings in July relating to services for disabled children and young people. On 20th of July there is one focused on transition to adulthood. Professionals and families can submit information to the hearings and forms are available on the Contact a Family website. More...

5 July 2006: Free guidance On making your website accessible

A free guide to good practice in commissioning accessible websites is available for people responsible for commissioning or maintaining public-facing websites and web-based services. More...

5 July 2006: At last! Publication of "Improving Work Opportunities for People with a Learning Disability" report

The Government has finally agreed to publish the report of a joint working group that was led by the Department of Health and the Department for Work and Pensions. The report, originally titled "Occupation Supports Participation" was produced in 2003-04 and has been languishing in the corridors of the DWP since December 2004. It is not being badged by DWP or DH, but will instead be published shortly on the Valuing People website, sparking rumours that it was too radical for Government to consider. We have been assured that Government will treat it no less seriously despite it not being badged by the Government departments. BASE was a member of the working group that produced the report. We will forward copies of the report to paid up members over the next week or two. Read the report...

5 July 2006: Welfare Reform Bill published

John Hutton yesterday published the Welfare Reform Bill following consultation on the Green Paper. The Bill aims to encourage one million people off incapacity benefits and into employment. It proposes the introduction of the Employment Support Allowance and a new Personal Capability Assessment (PCA) that will test whether a claimant is exempt from the new Allowance. A higher disability allowance will be paid to people found to be exempt. There has been much discussion about the application of the PCA to people with mental health needs and a subgroup is currently working on proposals around this area. We expect most of the detail to come later as new rules and regulations are drafted to implement the bill.

There will also be a framework to reform and improve the design and administration of Housing Benefit. It will provide for the roll-out of the Local Housing Allowance– a simplified Housing Benefit scheme that is currently being tested in 18 Local Authority areas.More...

5 July 2006: There's money in Government contracting!

The government is creating a new generation of multimillionaires and turning charities into multimillion-pound businesses by contracting out services provided by the state, a report commissioned by the Whitehall trade union the Public and Commercial Services union, reveals today. The report, by Steve Davies, senior research fellow at Cardiff University school of social sciences, shows a swath of companies set up to provide training for disabled people, the unemployed on New Deal programmes, and young offenders are now multimillion-pound enterprises.

The top example is A4e, founded in 1991 by 42-year-old Emma Harrison, which now employs more than 1,500 people and has a turnover of £75m a year, providing training services for the government, private companies and welfare reform programmes in Israel and Poland. The company is now the largest training provider for the government's New Deal programme for the unemployed. Ms Harrison is reputed to be worth £55m and received £1.1m in dividends alone last year. Another multimillionaire is Deborah Fern, who ran Fern Training and Development, set up in 1986 to provide training programmes for unemployed and disabled people. She sold her company to another expanding group, Carter and Carter plc, five months ago for £13.6m, taking £2.9m in shares.

Among the charities highlighted are the Shaw Trust, which provides training programmes for disabled people and has seen its income jump by £18.36m to £63.98m in the last year - with £37.5m coming from Jobcentre Plus and just £1.9m from private fundraising. Other charities funded from government sources include Tomorrow's People, which has strong links through its trustees to the Diageo drink and food conglomerate. Another is a public-private company, Working Links, which is a third owned by Mission Australia, a charity campaigning for Britain to adopt the Australian model of service provision, in which the government contracts out all its services to the private and charitable sectors. The other owners are the management consultants Cap Gemini and the employment firm Manpower. Read the report...

4 July 2006: Evaluation of ESF objective 3 co-financing in England

The Department for Work and Pensions has published an evaluation of the impact of the ESF Objective 3 co-financing (CFO) regime in England in terms of delivery standards, beneficiary participation, quality of outputs and strategic approach. The Objective 3 co-financing approach was introduced in September 2001 and brought ESF and match funding together into a single funding stream. The intention was to reduce bureaucracy on providers and promote a more co-ordinated and targeted approach to Objective 3 provision. The main findings of the research are:

• The implementation of co-financing has developed since previous studies in 2001 and 2003, with increased levels of CFO activity. In the view of many providers and stakeholders CFOs have become more effective, but views vary considerably. The report considers that the standard of ESF delivery under co-financing has been at least maintained or raised in the study areas.
• In terms of provider access – CFOs have made considerable efforts to involve able providers from a wide range of sectors and sizes. However, smaller providers often faced challenges in applying and delivering services due to the potential risks associated with output/outcome related payments, a move towards larger scale contracts and concerns over bureaucracy.
• Beneficiary access appears to be in line with Regional Development Plans (RDPs) and recent policy directives to focus on the harder to reach. It is suggested that providers may, however, be less willing to support these beneficiaries in the 2007-2013 ESF programme due to concerns over outcome related payments.
• There is evidence that co-financing has made progress in using ESF strategically, for example, by planning both within and across-sectors. More...

We'd like to know what you think. What are your views about the ESF co-financing regime? Send us your views

04 July 2006: Jobs on offer to disabled people are poor, low-paid and unsustainable, report finds

Many disabled people want to work but often jobs on offer are “poor quality, low paid and unsustainable”, a report by the Child Poverty Action Group says today. Forty per cent of children with a disabled parent live below the poverty line, according to the charity. The new report includes interviews with disabled parents who have tried to find paid work. Much more must be done to support disabled people if the government’s plans to move a million incapacity benefit claimants into work are to succeed, says CPAG. The report makes the following recommendations and says welfare reform will not work without them.

• The government must make sure that good quality jobs are available for disabled people.
• Much more work needs to be done to overcome discrimination in society at large, and among employers in particular, if disabled people are to find work.
• Significant investment in support for disabled people – not benefit sanctions – is essential.
• An adequate financial safety net to prevent poverty must be provided for disabled people unable to work.
• The additional costs for disabled people who are parents and want to work must be recognised and addressed. More...

29 June 2006: Lottery funding for new advice services

The Big Lottery Fund is launching a £50 million pound initiative, Advice Plus, that will fund advice services to help people avoid or overcome disadvantage and better their quality of life. Advice Plus will be rolled out in England this year and will focus on voluntary and community sector organisations that support people in accessing the services and benefits they may be entitled to, such as housing, education and health services, or welfare benefits. The programme will also strive to develop sustainable services by seeking to fund projects that link with or develop local, regional and national plans or partnerships.

Projects can apply for up to £500,000 in total for capital and revenue projects lasting up to five years. Full eligibility criteria and application packs are available to download from the Big Lottery Fund website from Thursday 29 June. There will be three rounds of Advice Plus. The deadline for the first round is noon on 30 October 2006. The deadline for the following two rounds will be October 2007 and October 2008. More...

21 June 2006: Update on long-awaited learning disability and employment report

In a written reply to Tom Clarke, MP for Coatbridge, Chryston and Bellshill, Anne McGuire, Minister for Disabled People has talked about the report "Improving Work Opportunities for People with a Learning Disability". This is a report of a working group on learning disabilities and employment which BASE was involved in from 2003 to 2004. She announced that the working group's report is to Ministers and to the Learning Disability Task Force and she expects it to be published shortly. The report, formerly known as "Occupation Supports Participation" has been embargoed since it was completed at the end of 2004, fuelling speculation that the recommendatyions were too far reaching for the Government to consider. More...

20 June 2006: Government publishes response to benefit reform consultation

The Government has published its response to the consultation on incapacity benefit reform. The document is available for downloading at the DWP website. Over 600 responses were received during the consultation. Also available on the same webpage is the Government's reply to the third report of the Work and Pensions Select Committee.

13 June 2006: Pathways to Work from Incapacity Benefits: A study of experience and use of Return to Work Credit

This report presents analysis of depth interviews conducted with 35 Return to Work Credit (RTWC) recipients. The discussion explores people's knowledge and awareness of RTWC in making decisions about work, experiences of using RTWC and the impact it made, and expectations and experiences of the end of RTWC. Read the report

13 June 2006: Entry to Employment

Entry to Employment is an entry to a level 1 work-based programme for young people aged 16-18. More...

13 June 2006: Early Quantitative Evidence on the Impact of the Pathways to Work Pilots

This report focuses on the differences in some early quantitative outcomes between pathways and non-pathways areas. Two empirical techniques are used to investigate the early impact of the pilots on employment, earnings, receipt of incapacity benefits, and a potential indicator of the extent to which individuals' health affects their everyday activities. Read the report

08 June 2006: New code of practice on disability discrimination

A new code of practice from the Disability Rights Commission is laid before Parliament today for its consideration, giving guidance on the application of the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA).

Anne McGuire, Minister for Disabled People, warmly welcomed the “clear advice and guidance” in the new code, saying:
“The Government believes that clear and accessible advice and guidance for those with rights and responsibilities under the DDA is important. The new Code gives practical guidance on the application of the Act, in relation to provisions of the Disability Discrimination Act 2005 that come into force on 4 December 2006.”

The Disability Rights Commission (DRC) has revised the existing guidance on the Disability Discrimination Act for providers of goods, services and facilities, to include the new duties on public authorities, landlords and private members clubs. It explains how to avoid unlawful acts of disability discrimination and provides practical guidance to landlords and tenants on the making of disability-related alterations to rented housing.

Subject to Parliament’s approval of the draft code, the DRC proposes to issue and publish the revised code this summer, giving those with responsibilities under the DDA adequate time to consider it before the new duties come into force.

Subject to Parliamentary approval, the new code will come into force on 4 December 2006, replacing the existing code from that date.

04 June 2006: Consultants appointed for Independent Living Funds 2006 review

Minister for Disabled People, Anne McGuire, has announced the selection of Melanie Henwood and Bob Hudson to work as independent consultants on the 2006 Review of the Independent Living Funds.
A cross government evaluation panel awarded a six month consultancy contract to Melanie Henwood’s Associates, who will engage as independent consultants to conduct the strategic review.
They will supply independent expert advice and carry out an informal public consultation in order to provide recommendations as to the future direction of the funds.
The consultants are expected to report to Ministers by December 2006.

04 June 2006: Hilary Armstrong appointed Minister for the Cabinet Office and for Social Exclusion by the Prime Minister

In May 2006 Hilary Armstrong became Minister for the Cabinet Office and Social Exclusion and Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster.

This new role will be to co-ordinate the Government's agenda to tackle social exclusion. Hilary Armstrong will also take responsibility for the third sector, supported by a Parliamentary Secretary, drawing together the different parts of Whitehall that currently deal with voluntary and community sector organisations and social enterprises. A new office for the sector in the Cabinet Office will bring greater coherence to the Government's approach to the sector. More...

04 June 2006: Appointment of new Non-Executive Directors for Remploy Ltd

Joe Mann MBE and Ian Thornley have been appointed as Non-Executive Directors of Remploy, UK's leading provider of employment opportunities for disabled people.

Announcing the appointment, John Hutton, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, said: “I am delighted that Joe Mann MBE and Ian Thornley will be joining the Remploy Board. They will bring a wealth of experience to the Company, both in terms of their respective successful careers in Trade Unionism and business and their personal commitment to supporting disabled people”.

Anne McGuire, Minister for Disabled People, said: “ I am very pleased that we have been able to attract such high calibre individuals to work with Remploy and would also like to offer my thanks to both Anna Vinton and Alan Tuffin for their service to Remploy”.

31 May 2006: New TUC report on the employment of people with disabilities

Too few disabled people are being taken on by employers and too many are losing their jobs, according to a report published by the Trade Union Congress. The TUC guide, 'Disability and work: A trade union guide to the law and good practice' sets out how unions can work with employers to make the new Disability Equality Duty become a reality. It puts forward a three point plan on how more disabled people can be helped to stay in employment or to find suitable jobs. It calls on the government to remind employers that they can be taken to court under the Disability Discrimination Act and fined for treating disabled employees or job applicants unfairly. The TUC also asks ministers to put additional resources into the Access to Work scheme, which gives financial help to employers who face extra costs because they employ disabled workers, and to publicise it more. Other recommendations include for every employer to be required to draw up a return to work plan for any member of staff temporarily forced to leave their job through ill health or injury. It also calls for the government to introduce disability leave to give employees the right to take time off while they are undergoing rehabilitation treatment or while changes are being made to their workplace to enable them to continue in their jobs. More...

30 May 2006: Medical mistakes block benefits to disabled people

A BBC investigation for Radio 5 Live has revealed that almost 80,000 sick and disabled people a year are being wrongly denied benefits. The investigation found that medical reports on people claiming some benefits were inaccurate or unreliable. It was found that in some cases where a computer-based medical questionnaire was conducted the information produced was misleading or ridiculous. In other cases medical reports were found to have been altered so that the meaning was totally changed. In one such case a person claiming for Disability Living Allowance had their medical report altered 20 times, with one change being made to the word "unsteady" to alter it to "steady" in the description of her ability to walk. More...

16 May 2006: NUT calls for end to closure of special schools

The National Union of Teachers has called for an end to the closure of special schools and “inclusion on the cheap” which, it claims, is failing children and putting intolerable pressure on teachers. The calls came in the light of a Cambridge University report, published today by the NUT, which said mainstream schools are not properly equipped to deal with pupils with special educational needs. More...

16 May 2006: New List of DTI Ministers

Alistair Darling (Secretary of State for Trade and Industry) has overall responsibility for the Department of Trade and Industry.

Margaret Hodge (Minister of State for Industry and the Regions) has overall responsibility for Business Group issues such as Enterprise; growth and business investment; Strengthening regional economies; Small Business Service; Company Law Reform Bill; Companies House.

Jim Fitzpatrick (Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Employment Relations and Postal Services) has overall responsibility for Employment Relations including oversight of ACAS; Better Regulation; Shareholder Executive; Royal Mail and Post Office Counters Ltd.

16 May 2006: New List of Department for Health's Ministers

Patricia Hewitt (Secretary of State for Health) has overall responsibility for NHS and social care delivery and system reforms; finance and resources; strategic communications.

Lord Warner of Brockley (Minister of State for Reform) has responsibilities including NHS budget setting; system reform including strategic health authority (SHA)/primary care trust (PCT) reconfigurations; commissioning; choice; plurality; foundation trusts; independent sector treatment centres; contestability; Payment by Results and system management; Our Health Our Care Our Say White Paper (health lead); community hospitals; unscheduled and emergency care; NHS workforce issues including education and training and pay and pensions; primary care and NHS LIFT; chronic disease and NHS IT/NHS Connecting for Health.

Rosie Winterton (Minister of State for Health Services) has responsibilities including cancer, cardiac services, diabetes and renal services; mental health, including Mental Health Bill; prison healthcare; dentistry; patient and public involvement; equality and diversity issues; Midlands and Eastern region.

Caroline Flint (Minister of State for Public Health) has responsibilities including Public Health White Paper implementation; health inequalities; drugs including drug treatment; tobacco and smoking; alcohol; physical activity; diet and nutrition; Health Protection Agency (HPA) and communicable disease; immunisation; sexual health; Food Standards Agency (FSA); sustainable development; Southern region.

CAndy Burnham (Minister of State for Delivery and Quality) has responsibilities including standards; inspection and performance; patient safety including the National Patient Safety Agency; clinical governance and quality issues; clinical negligence; reducing bureaucracy; research and development; counter fraud and departmental management.

Ivan Lewis (Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Care Services) has responsibilities including Social care finance, performance and workforce issues, commission for Social Care Inspection, Social Care Institute for Excellence, children's health, maternity services, child and adolescent mental health services. Also responsible for older people's services including intermediate care, physical and learning disabilities, the long-term conditions National Service Framework, services provided by Allied Health professionals, and the voluntary sector.

16 May 2006: New List of Department for Education and Skills Ministers

Alan Johnson (Secretary of State for Education and Skills) has overall responsibility for the Department, its policies and strategy; Finance and public expenditure; Economic issues; Major appointments.

Jim Knight (Minister of State for Schools and 14 - 19 learners) has responsibilities including an overview of all schools strategy with a particular focus on: transforming secondary schools; behaviour; 14-19 learners; school funding and capital including Building Schools for the Future; remodelling the school workforce; the secondary school curriculum; and raising standards across the board.

Beverley Hughes (Minister for Children, Young People and Families) has responsibilities including an overview of all policies for children, young people and families, including overall responsibility for new legislation in this area. She works closely with colleagues across government to ensure that these issues are taken forward in a co-ordinated and joined up way.

Bill Rammell (Minister of State for Lifelong Learning, Further and Higher Education) has responsibilities including an overview of HE, FE, adult skills, the LSC and lifelong learning ensuring the overall coherence of all post-19 policy. He will take a direct lead on Higher Education issues and the reform of Further Education including the Foster Review, on which Phil Hope will support him. Bill Rammell will also lead on the LSC, its budget and operational performance.

Parmjit Dhanda (Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Children, Young People and Families) has responsibilities including Family Policy, Education Welfare Service, Education Welfare Service, NEETs and NETs ( 16-19 year olds Not in Education, Employment or Training and those Not in Education or Training).

Phil Hope (Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Skills) has responsibility for adult skills. He will also support Bill Rammell on the reform of FE and the Foster Review.

Lord Andrew Adonis (Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Schools) has a particular focus on Primary schools; the school curriculum (supporting Jim Knight) and SEN/disability and the delivery of the Academies programme and the London Challenge.

16 May 2006: New List of DWP Ministers

John Hutton (Secretary of State for Work and Pensions) has overall responsibility for all work and pensions matters as well as public expenditure issues.

Jim Murphy (Minister of State for Employment and Welfare Reform) has responsibilities including Welfare Reform; Jobcentre Plus; New Deal; Incapacity Benefit Reform; Ethnic minority employment (Chair of EME task force); Employment programmes; Industrial injuries disability benefit (IIDB); Migrants, refugees & asylum seekers.

James Purnell (Minister of State for Pensions Reform) has responsibilities including Pension Reform; Private Pensions; Pensions Protection Fund; Age Discrimination (retirement).

Lord Hunt of Kings Heath OBE (Parliamentary Under Secretary (Lords)) has responsibilities including all DWP issues in the Lords; Human Rights; Health and Safety Executive/Commission; Departmental Green Issues; Child Support Agency.

Anne McGuire (Parliamentary Under Secretary for Disabled People) has responsibilities including Disability Legislation; Disability Rights Commission/Single Equality Body; Remploy/Workstep/Supported Employment; Disability Living Allowance/Attendance Allowance; Departmental Management Issues.

James Plaskitt (Parliamentary Under Secretary (Commons)) has responsibilities including Housing Benefit; Council Tax Benefit; Bereavement Benefit; Income Support (Working Age); Jobseekers Allowance; Support on Pensions Legislation; Social Security Advisory Committee.

15 May 2006: New research into employment disadvantage for ethnic minorities

Two new research reports by the DWP have concluded that many ethnic minority groups continue to have higher unemployment rates, greater concentrations in routine and semi-routine work and lower hourly earnings than whites. The patterns for women are broadly similar to those for men, although ethnic minority women tend not to be as disadvantaged relative to the whites. They did however find that qualification levels have improved. More...

15 May 2006: New "Tsar" Appointed at Department of Health

A new "tsar" has been appointed at the Department of Health to help lead government policy on the lives of people with learning disabilities. Nicola Smith, from West Sussex, will work alongside the current National Director for Learning Disabilities, Rob Greig. She takes up her salaried post with immediate effect. More...

4 May 2006: Nordis Industries threatened with closure

Up to 11 staff face losing their jobs on assembly lines or making road signs at Duston-based Nordis Industries, owned by Northants County Council. Campaigners trying to save a sheltered workplace for people with physical or learning difficulties say they expect a decision by the end of the week. A report to the council proposed saving £150,000 a year by closing the packing line, making 11 staff redundant. Councillors are to meet management on Friday to look at future options. Unions have been trying to persuade the council not to make anyone redundant and have suggested a management buyout. Parents and carers of workers at Nordis say they have had a meeting with county councillors about the possibility of some of the work being kept on.

3 May 2006: Review of Independent Living Funds announced

Anne McGuire, Minister for Disabled People, today announced a review of the Independent Living Funds (ILFs) saying “The ILFs enable thousands of severely disabled people to live independently and we need to consider the future direction of the funds in the light of our goal of equality for disabled people. A consultant will be engaged to conduct a strategic review of the Independent Living Funds, supplying independent expert advice and carrying out an informal public consultation, in order to make recommendations for the future direction of the Funds. The Independent Living Funds will allocate £263 million of public funds in 2006/07 so it is essential that we have an independent and informed review of their role.”

Regular reviews of Non Departmental Public Bodies are required by Cabinet Office guidance. This one will be carried out in the context of the Prime Minister's Strategy Unit report 'Improving the Life Chances of Disabled People', and the Department of Health’s White Paper ‘Our health, Our care, Our say’. The Government’s overarching aim is to provide more person-centred and coherent support for disabled people. The review is expected to report to Ministers by December 2006. More...

3 May 2006: Response to A New Deal for Welfare

If you wish to read the BASE response to a New Deal for Welfare please click here.

3 May 2006: New DH Doc re Service User Remuneration

Government policy actively encourages the involvement of service users in the development and delivery of local services. The purpose of involvement is to improve service user and carer experience of services and to make services more responsive to local needs.

Involvement of service users is a central element of health and social care activity. The NHS is required to consult and involve service users under Section 11 of the Health and Social Care Act 2001. Service users and carers contribute their time and expertise into improving services. This has raised issues concerning the reimbursement of expenses that have been incurred, but also clarification on circumstances where a service user should be offered payment for their involvement.

Service user involvement can be on a voluntary basis. Volunteering is when people give their time and skills for the benefit of society and the community. It is undertaken freely and by choice, without concern for financial gain. It is good practice to reimburse volunteers’ out of pocket expenses.

This guide aims to support local health and social care organisations with the principles and practice of reimbursing and paying service users for their involvement. It aims to provide some consistency of approach and ensure that service users are treated fairly and appropriately according to their circumstances, so that they are able to make an informed choice about the arrangements concerning their involvement.

This guide sets out:

• The principles of best practice for reimbursement and payment for involvement.
• The roles and responsibilities for service users and NHS and social care organisations.
• Advice on the implications of paying and reimbursing service users who are in receipt of benefits.

The focus of this guide is on enabling and ensuring equitable access for service users to involvement activities. It is not intended to be a technical or detailed guide on benefits advice but it does provide information on benefit rules considered to be most relevant. Further expert advice on benefits should be sought where necessary.

Who is this guide for?

• This guide is for local health and social care organisations which are involving service users and carers in the development and delivery of local services. It may be of particular interest to managers, front line staff, service user involvement leads, welfare rights advisors, finance, legal and HR staff.
• This guide is also for service users and carers who are involved, or are considering their involvement in improving health or social care services.
• This guide is principally aimed at local rather than national organisations. The appointment of disabled people on benefits to public bodies is outside the remit of this guide. However, the advice and best practice principles set out can be used by national organisations and for public appointments where relevant and practicable. Read the guide

27 April 2006: New Director named for Health and Work

Professor Dame Carol Black, one of the nation's top doctors and President of the Royal College of Physicians, was today named as the Government's first ever National Director for Health and Work. She will spearhead initiatives promoting and improving health in the workplace, ensuring that people with health conditions and disabilities are supported to enter, return to and continue in work. More...

24 April 2006: National Employment and Health Innovations Network new web site

The Network’s website and email list have moved from NICE to The Sainsbury Centre for Mental Health (SCMH). The new website is at www.scmh.org.uk/nehin

Contact details: For any queries about the website, please contact Katherine Hall on 020 7827 8376 or email Katherine Hall.

Email list: The email list format has also changed. If you want to send a message to the network members, please send it to Katherine and she will pass it on. You should also contact Katherine to change your membership details or join / leave the group.

13 April 2006: DWP publishes Workstep evaluation

New research published by the Department for Work and Pensions presents findings from the evaluation of the WORKSTEP programme. The research was undertaken by the Centre for Public Policy, Northumbria University and the reports authors were Ann Purvis, James Lowrey and Lynn Dobbs. Both the full report and a summary are available at the DWP website. They are listed as report 348.

The report presents findings and recommendations from 17 qualitative case studies that examined the design, delivery and performance of WORKSTEP. The case studies involved interviews with a range of stakeholders, linked to the selected providers across Britain during 2005. These interviews included WORKSTEP supported employees, staff from both provider organisations and Jobcentre Plus and employers involved in the Programme. Data was also collected through the analysis of management information on the outputs of the Programme and other documentary review.

The main findings are:

• Since its introduction in 2001 the programme has made significant progress
• The main strength of current Programme design is the flexibility it offers to meet the needs of individual supported employees
• For most supported employees, these positive outcomes are due to the commitment of staff within many Providers, and the positive and supportive cultures within most of these organisations. The evaluation found this to be one of the most striking features of WORKSTEP Programme
• Supported employees were mostly very positive about their involvement with the Programme. Many highlighted numerous personal and social benefits, in addition to the financial rewards they derive from their work. More...

12 April: Eden director resigns over disability row

The director of horticulture at the Eden Project has resigned after claiming disabled workers were "placed behind the scenes". Sue Minter has handed in her notice following comments she made to a gardening magazine after giving a presentation in London. Horticulture Week quoted her as saying: "We place disabled people behind the scenes. We have a responsibility for professional horticulture's image". More...

12 April 2006: £165m in Lottery funding for wellbeing

The Big Lottery Fund is pumping £165 million of Lottery money into helping communities build healthier lifestyles through its new Well-being programme. The Fund’s new Lottery good cause programme has a three-pronged focus, which aims to improve mental wellbeing, make people more physically active, and encourage children, parents and the wider community to eat more healthily.

The Fund plans to maximise the impact of the £165 million by encouraging organisations to work across the programme’s three strands and work in partnership to deliver regional and national portfolios of projects in England dedicated to making communities healthier. The programme aims to promote and encourage partnership working within the health sector and across other sectors to increase participation and innovation. Grants will range from £1 million upwards and be made for a minimum of two years and a maximum of five years. Changing attitudes and the stigma associated with mental health will be tackled along with developing preventative approaches to common mental health problems, including stress, depression and anxiety disorders. More...

11 April 2006: Consultation on professionalising the learning and skills sector

The Department for Education and Skills (DfES) is to seek views on how best to implement reforms which bring forward regulations to support the development of a fully qualified and professional workforce in the learning and skills sector. The deadline for submitting views is the 4 July 2006. More...

11 April 2006: Discrimination Law 2006: Special Report

Workplace Law has announced the publication of a special report to help employers tackle the complex legal issues surrounding discrimination in the workplace. Discrimination Law 2006 is a plain English guide to the law and practice of managing people, which examines not only the regulations but also the practical steps that employers need to take to make sure they comply. To view the full article click here

7 April 2006: Research on public sector and equality of disabled people

This new research published by the Department for Work and Pensions examines public bodies’ approach to implementing the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) 1995 and provides evidence for a baseline against which to assess the extent to which the Disability Discrimination Act 2005 prompts authorities to promote equality of opportunity for disabled people.

The main findings are:

• The DDA was a major factor that influenced the changes made by organisations who took part in the survey in terms of employment and service provision, accessibility of information and buildings strategy. It was also the main reason given by respondents for integrating disability issues into their mainstream plans.
• The vast majority of participating organisations had adapted their work environment, implemented flexible working time and flexible work organisation to help disabled employees. Many had conducted Disability Equality Impact Assessments and of those that had most had changed their employment and service policies and practices, as a result. Nearly all public bodies also had an Action Plan to meet the needs of disabled employees and service users.
• Although a large number of organisations in the survey had a Disability Equality Scheme in place, a minority had involved disabled employees or service users in drafting it. Also the vast majority of organisations had acted to improve access to premises for disabled people, but few had engaged with disability organisations to review the extent to which the services met the needs of disabled people.
• Participating organisations were unlikely to provide information in specialist formats for disabled employees and service users as part of their standard procedures, although they were much more likely to provide it on request.
• Almost all the organisations felt they were committed to improving the experience of their disabled employees, and most also felt they were currently meeting the needs of their disabled employees. In contrast though slightly fewer organisations felt they were meeting the needs of their disabled service-users. Read the report...

4 April 2006: Guidance about epilepsy at work

The Epilepsy Research Foundation has produced a leaflet about epilepsy and safety at work. The guidance offers useful tips on adjustements, health and safety considerations and suggestions for employees. Read the leaflet...

4 April 2006: DEAC seeks to appoint new Chair

The Government's Disability Employment Advisory Committee are seeking to appoint a part-time Chair. The appointment will be for 44 days per year and paid pro-rata. The closing date for applications is 4 May and application forms are available by ringing 0114 267 7234 or emailing pat.farrar@dwp.gsi.gov.uk

3 April 2006: DWP research into job retention and rehabilitation pilots

The Department for Work and Pensions has published research that provides final results from the Job Retention and Rehabilitation Pilot (JRRP), a trial which looked to test out boosting the usual help for those off work due to sickness and ill health to return to and retain their job. The two reports provide information about the experience of participating in the trial and a quantitative assessment of the impacts of the trial on return-to-work rates, health, and other measures.

It shows that this particular method of recruiting and assisting people to retain employment was not effective. Overall, the interventions had no significant impact on the group of people recruited into the trial across key return-to-work measures. Similar rates of return to work were observed in the intervention groups as in the control group. There were however some minor impacts, both positive and negative, on certain subgroups: specifically, improved return-to-work rates for those off work because of an injury; and lower return-to-work rates for those with mental health issues. More...

30 March 2006: Guidance on Local Area Agreements

Local area agreements (LLAs) are a way of striking a deal between central government, local authorities and major local delivery partners. The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has a webpage with links to guidance, advice notes and a prospectus. The site sets out the department's proposals to pilot LLAs as part of the strategy to build a new relationship between central and local government. More...

30 March 2006: New website about noise at work

The Health & Safety Executive has launched a new area of their website to address the problem of noise at work. Over 1 million employees in Great Britain are exposed to levels of noise which put their hearing at risk and new regulations come into force in April 2006. The level at which employers must provide hearing protection and hearing protection zones is now 85 decibels (daily or weekly average exposure) and the level at which employers must assess the risk to workers' health and provide them with information and training is now 80 decibels. There is also an exposure limit value of 87 decibels, taking account of any reduction in exposure provided by hearing protection, above which workers must not be exposed. More...

24 March 2006: BASE meets with Shadow Minister

Huw Davies and Martin Davies, Joint Chairs of BASE, had a meeting this week with Jeremy Hunt MP, Shadow Minister for Disabled People. The meeting was very productive and allowed us to express our concerns about the future of employment support for jobseekers with disabilities. BASE has been invited to attend a series of five Conservative policy seminars this summer, covering transport, education, social care, welfare reform and housing. We will also be arranging for the Shadow Minister to visit a supported employment service in the South East. We hope that this will become the start of an ongoing dialogue between BASE and the Conservative party and we are greatly encouraged by the reception we had from Jeremy Hunt.

20 March 2006: Community groups hit by a 'contract culture'

Large swathes of the community sector are under threat because of the Government's desire to corral groups into delivering public services, new research suggests. Traditional grant support is being replaced by a contract culture that is squeezing out small community bodies and the services they provide, according to a survey of 55 members of the umbrella body Bassac. Fifty-eight per cent said funders had reduced the grants available for community-led activities in the past three years, often replacing them with contracts and service level agreements. More...

17 March 2006: Anne McGuire Launches Review of Remploy

Anne McGuire has announced a review of Remploy Ltd to look at how to open up more employment opportunities for disabled people. The review will look at how Remploy operates and suggest ways to both improve the opportunities for the 9,000 disabled people it presently supports and provide better value for money. It follows the publication of a report by the National Audit Office (NAO) last autumn which recognised that some of Remploy’s factory businesses were not financially sustainable. More...

16 March 2006: New report looks at makeup of employment rates for disabled people

As many as 2.5 million disabled men and women are without work in Britain. The number claiming benefits has increased three-fold since the 1970s. The main aim of this new research has been to unpack the large group of 'disabled people', to show that they are not all in the same labour market position. Among all adults (disabled and non-disabled combined), demographic characteristics were the most important influence on employment rates. Disability characteristics (condition, impairment and severity about equally) were the second most important factor. Economic characteristics (mainly education) were the least important. Within the group of disabled people, disability characteristics overtook demographic characteristics as the main determinants of employment rates, but economic characteristics remained least influential. Read the report...

16 March 2006: NDDP evaluation

As part of a comprehensive evaluation, the survey of the eligible population has been conducted to obtain information about people who were eligible and invited to take part in NDDP. DWP have published a survey that aims to establish the characteristics of this population, their work aspirations and their awareness of, attitudes to and involvement with NDDP. Read the report...

15 March 2006: BASE meeting with Jobcentre Plus

BASE met with officials from the Workstep Division of Jobcentre Plus in Sheffield today. The meeting was also attended by officials from the DWP. It was a constructive meeting where we were able to air our concerns about the uncertainty regarding the future of the Workstep programme. Jobcentre Plus is reviewing its range of programmes and will be consulting on this in the summer. We also discussed the inspection regime and how we can contribute to improved practice. We hope to meet regularly with them to discuss operational and strategic issues. A tripartite meeting has been arranged for April where we'll meet with Workstep managers and the Adult Learning Inspectorate.

10 March 2006: Funding boost for volunteering

A new Home Office programme to break down barriers to volunteering received a £3 million boost today. Volunteering For All will be a two-year strategy led by the Home Office and reaching across Government to identify and remove barriers to volunteering and to promote these opportunities to potential volunteers. It will specifically target three groups less likely to volunteer, as identified by the biennial Home Office Citizenship Survey (HOCS):

• people with disabilities or limiting long-term illness;
• people with no formal qualifications; and
• people from black and minority ethnic communities.

9 March 2006: New appointments to DEAC announced

Six new and eight existing members have been appointed to the Disability Employment Advisory Committee (DEAC) to take forward its work during its second term. The committee now includes Cath Graham, Chair of the Scottish Union of Supported Employment and representatives of three BASE member agencies, Breakthrough UK, Bromley Mencap and Enham. More...

8 March 2006: Research published on Action Teams for Jobs

New research recently published by the Department for Work and Pensions presents the findings of a review of Action Teams for Jobs. Action Teams were introduced in June 2000 in three pathfinder areas and currently operate in 64 areas. They operate in disadvantaged areas with particular problems of labour market disadvantage and aim to increase the employment rate amongst disadvantaged groups. Action Teams are a voluntary programme providing an adviser led service, often based in local communities and working in partnership with the private and voluntary sectors. At the time of the research in 2005 there were 40 Jobcentre Plus led Action teams and 25 Private Sector led Action Teams.

• Action Teams have been effective in helping people from deprived areas find jobs. From June 2000 to September 2005 Action Teams helped over 150,000 people into work.
• Flexibility in funding has been important in enabling Action Teams to prioritise resources effectively, to co-finance projects with partners and address client needs in deprived areas. Flexibility also allowed the secondment of employees from specialist partners and the ability to offer a tailored and client centred approach.
• Action Teams examined were involved in Local Strategic Partnerships and had built good working relationships with community partners reporting a ‘win-win’ situation with: joint funding for projects, premises and events, improved access to specialist help, fostering a joined up service, better communication between partners and the sharing of information and referrals with local job brokers, substance counsellors and training course providers.
• Overall Jobcentre Plus Action Teams tended to work with harder to help customers with more barriers to work who had been unemployed for over three years. Private Sector Led Action Teams operating under outcome related funding, tended to focus on customers with fewer barriers to work who had been unemployed for less than six months.
• More...

6 March 2006: Severe mental health - Vocational guidance issued

The Department of Health has issued commissioning guidance for vocational services for people with severe mental health problems. Guidance has also been issued on modernising day services, commissioning womens services and using direct payments. Read the guidance...

3 March 2006: Valuing People employment conference

Valuing People employment conference aims to "start the debate about what best practice looks like, and calls for an end to bad practice". It features a speech by Anne McGuire MP and 5 workshops on various aspects of best practice. Shame we don't get a conference to tell us what good funding looks like but I suppose we can't be too greedy. Details of the event are on our events page.

28 February 2006: BASE meets with Adult Learning Inspectorate

BASE met with Nigel Evans and Pat Higginbottom from the ALI today. It was another productive meeting and details of the discussion are available on our policy pages.

28 February 2006: Worktrain website moves to DirectGov

The Worktrain jobfinder website has moved to the DirectGov website and can now be found at jobseekers.direct.gov.uk

28 February 2006: Inadequate training is holding back

The Adult Learning Inspectorate (ALI) has called for greater recognition of learners with disabilities in Government Policy. Inadequate training and support is preventing people with disabilities from achieving their potential in the workplace, according to the Greater Expectations report published today by the ALI. They are calling for the Government to do more to ensure that learners with disabilities experience better quality training, to improve their prospects of gaining meaningful employment. More...

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