Queen's Speech 2016: Further devolution may increase employment rate of disabled people
Disability charity Scope responds to the Queen’s Speech and how disabled people could benefit from the Digital Economy Bill and Local Jobs and Growth Bill.
On the Digital Economy Bill - Mark Atkinson, chief executive at disability charity Scope, said:
“It’s good news that the Government has plans for everyone to be part of the digital economy.
“Digital access has the power to make life cost less. Many people go online to compare the best consumer deals and offers.
“However, disabled people still face a huge digital divide. Over a quarter of (27%) of disabled adults have never used the internet, compared to 11 per cent of the adult population overall. Once online, disabled people often find that not all web content is accessible or compatible with assistive technology.
“Life costs more if you are disabled, from higher energy bills to specialist equipment Scope research shows these costs add up to on average £550 per month.
“To help drive down the extra costs disabled people face, the Government’s plans need to include action to get more disabled people online. This should include providing the necessary training in digital skills and a review of the law on web accessibility.”
On the Local Growth and Jobs Bill - Mark Atkinson, chief executive of disability charity Scope, said:
“The Government’s commitment to further devolve power to local decision-makers creates opportunities to increase the employment rate of disabled people.
“Today’s employment figures show the number of disabled people in employment has increased.
“But at the same time the gap between the employment rate of disabled people and the rest of the population has widened.
“While overall employment is at its highest ever level, employers are too often missing out on the talents of disabled people.
“We urge government, businesses and local decision-makers to put disabled people at the heart of future plans to develop Britain’s workforce and grow our economy.”
Find our analysis of today’s employment figures and what they mean for disabled people here.
