14 March 2016

Peter Aldous calls on the Government to speed up publication of the White Paper reducing the disability employment gap and promoting the integration of employment and health support.

Peter Aldous (Waveney) (Con): What steps he is taking to support people with disabilities into employment. [904061]

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Disabled People (Justin Tomlinson): This Government are committed to halving the disability employment gap. In the spending review, we announced a real terms spending increase on supporting disabled people into work. In the last year, 152,000 more disabled people entered employment. Our forthcoming White Paper will set out our plans to support more disabled people into work.

Peter Aldous: May I urge the Minister to publish the White Paper on employment support for those with disabilities as soon as practically possible? I take note of the Secretary of State’s earlier response that it would be before the summer break, but there has been some slippage on that. Will my hon. Friend outline what provisions the White Paper will contain on integrating employment and health support?

Justin Tomlinson: We will shortly be publishing the White Paper, which will set out the reforms for improved support for people with disabilities and long-term health conditions. We will be looking at a number of issues, including ways to engage with employers as part of our commitment to halve the disability employment gap, integration across health and employment, and further localised tailored support. This is an exciting opportunity.

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