Support for disabled jobseekers 'deficient'

Garth Harkness: Oldham West and Royton.

LIBERAL Democrats in Oldham have condemned new government proposals to support disabled jobseekers as "inadequately funded" and called for the Work Capability Assessment to be scrapped.

Councillor Garth Harkness, shadow cabinet member for employment and skills, has argued that support for people with disabilities who are seeking employment should be accessed voluntarily and be adequately funded to help jobseekers find fulfilling employment.

It comes after the government published a Work, Health and Disability Green Paper for consultation, "Improving Lives", which sets out an aim to help disabled people and those with long-term conditions get back into work.

Councillor Harkness said: "This would require over 1.2 million more people with disabilities to enter work than is the case today. There is nothing wrong with supporting jobseekers with disabilities to find meaningful and fulfilling employment that is appropriate, taking account of their medical conditions, but this support must be accessed voluntarily and it should be adequately funded.

"Under these proposals, disabled jobseekers will be subjected to the discredited and reviled Work Capability Assessment and many, despite being plainly sick, will be forced to look for work for which they are incapable.

"The Employment Related Service Association, which represents organisations offering employment support to disabled jobseekers, has also identified that funding for support will drop to less than £130 million next year."

Councillor Harkness believes local authorities and charities are better placed to deliver support to disabled people.

He said: "Councils and charities operate on the ground in communities where local disabled people live and local businesses operate.

"The Liberal Democrats believe that there should be a role for Oldham Council and our charity sector, especially with employment support and training being devolved to Greater Manchester level.

"The new Health and Work Programme should provide a stronger role for local authorities and charities to deliver responsive, value-for-money services to suit local needs and requirements, and to work with businesses to provide employment on an flexible and accessible basis, and to encourage and support disabled claimant."