Shaw Trust responds to new unemployment figures for disabled people

Commenting on new statistics on people with disabilities in the labour market, Shaw Trust interim Chief Executive Chris Melvin said: “Today’s figures underwrite the fact that the economic climate has had a disproportionate effect on those furthest away from the job market. If you’re disabled, you’re almost twice as likely to be unemployed as non-disabled people and more than twice as likely to have no qualifications.”

“Lack of work is bad for you and can make conditions like depression and mental health problems worse. As the lead provider of Work Choice - the Government’s specialist disability employment programme - Shaw Trust works with disabled and disadvantaged people to address these issues both out of work and after they secure employment. We work to improve self-esteem and employability skills and just as importantly highlight to employers the skills and loyalty they will get from employing our clients.”

The figures released today by the Office of National Statistics highlight that people with impairments like mental health problems, severe learning difficulties and depression and anxiety have the lowest employment rates among individuals who are DDA disabled.

Employment rates were lowest for people with:

• Severe learning difficulties (12.0 per cent)
• Mental illnesses or nervous disorders (14.2 per cent)
• Depression or anxiety (27.2 per cent).

Case Study: Ian, Manchester

Shaw Trust works with people like Ian from Manchester. Ian has learning difficulties and cerebral palsy. Made redundant in 2010, Ian’s confidence had been knocked when he was referred to Shaw Trust who deliver Work Choice in his area.

We worked with Ian to build up self-esteem and employability skills and then arranged for a short work placement at Car Cosmetics Manchester Ltd. Ian’s employers were so impressed that they quickly offered him a permanent role as General Caretaker. Shaw Trust advisor Jane Pate said: “Ian’s employers have strongly contributed to his success. They ensured that Ian’s work hours were adjusted so that he could fully adapt to his working environment. They have been so supportive and their relationship with Shaw Trust highlights the best example of working closely with employers large and small to support people back into work and to help them lead an independent life.”

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Notes to editors
Shaw Trust is the largest third sector provider of employment services in the UK. The Trust, set up in 1982, helps people with disability or disadvantage to find and stay in work.

Shaw Trust believes that everyone has the right to work and live independent lives. As a national charity, our work is about empowering people to improve their lives and to believe in their own abilities as passionately as we do.

We achieve our mission through the delivery of government programmes such as Work Choice and the new Work Programme, but also through our own self-funded initiatives and by campaigning to change attitudes towards disabled and disadvantaged people. Across the UK more than 1,600 staff now oversee a diverse range of more than 200 projects.

ONS data on people with disabilities in the labour market were published this morning and are available at http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/dcp171776_242963.pdf

For further media information, please contact Gareth Nicholson on 07540 558258

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