Shaw Trust Welcomes Coalition

With tough decisions on public sector spending facing David Cameron, our new prime minister and his Lib Dem deputy, Nick Clegg, Sally Burton, chief executive, Shaw Trust, a charity that assists disabled and disadvantaged people on the journey to work, is urging the new coalition government to continue to support disadvantaged and disabled people in the UK find and sustain employment and live more independent lives:

“Much work has been done in recent years to start bringing about better integration of service delivery across welfare to work, social inclusion and mental health issues. The third sector has played an important role in this success and given the opportunity can not only continue that support but also be part of much needed new solutions to those facing unemployment, social isolation and deprivation.

“We do know that such solutions will need to be delivered in the context of reduced spending but we know we can help.”

Shaw Trust is the UK’s largest third sector provider of employment services for disabled and disadvantaged people and was the most successful provider of the Workstep Programme, with a 57 per cent progression rate compared to the national average of just 9 per cent and a sustainability rate of 87 per cent.

“With 2.5m currently unemployed in the UK, getting people back to work is crucial,” continued Sally.

“It will address many of the issues brought about by worklessness for individuals, their families and entire communities. In addition, the money saved on benefits and subsequent increase in tax and national insurance contributions can aid the country’s economic recovery. However, it isn’t just about jobs being available.

“Many people will need qualifications, training, and support at work and at home in order to re-enter employment and sustain those roles - and employment is just one part of the social jigsaw, “says Sally.

“Tackling social isolation and deprivation is critical. Shaw Trust would like to support government and local government in delivering support services which promote independence and participation – from information and guidance through to delivering the personalisation agenda - at the very heart of our communities.

‘We have a number of priority issues that we have already discussed with both the Conservative and Liberal Democrats Work and Pensions teams. We now look forward to working more closely with Iain Duncan Smith and his administration to ensure a smooth transition to the Work Programme and developing better, more innovative solutions in getting people back to work and living more independent lives.”

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Notes to editor:
For further media information, please contact Kate Groves, Press Manager Tel: 07595 214649.

Shaw Trust is a national charity, formed in 1982, which helps people with disability or disadvantage to find work and achieve independence. We do this not only by delivering government programmes, but also through our own self-funded initiatives, and by campaigning to change attitudes at all levels. Across the UK more than 1,600 staff now oversee a diverse range of more than 200 projects.

www.shaw-trust.org.uk

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