Received from: TUC Disabled Workers Conference
This TUC conference is deeply concerned that government proposals to “support disabled people into work” risk pushing those able to work out of employment and into insecurity.
Conference notes that many employers fail to provide reasonable adjustments, which should be treated as necessary adjustments. The Disability Confident scheme allows employers to claim commitment without employing disabled workers. Disabled people moved from employment support allowances to universal credit are worse off, while tighter personal independence payment criteria have increased unfair refusals.
Conference applauds the disabled people’s movement for resisting further attacks on disability related benefits and recognises the contribution of Unite activists.
Conference calls on DWC to work with all disabled workers’ organisations, including deaf and disabled peoples’ organisations and workplace networks, to challenge the government’s hostile approach.
The TUC must urge the government to engage with these organisations on a co-production basis to reform benefits and workplace support, so they uphold rights, promote independence, and are fit for purpose.
TUC Disabled Workers Conference