Access to Work must stay

The STUC will campaign against plans to withdraw the Access to Work scheme from public bodies.

The scheme provides vital support to disabled people in employment and its loss would exclude many more disabled people from work. Julia McIlhatton (UNISON) told delegates that of the 6.8 million disabled people of working age in the UK, only 50% are in work compared to 81% of able bodied people.

Their pay is 10% less. She called for vigilance to ensure that disabled people are not further disadvantaged by moves to restrict access to work. "Most of the delegates here are able-bodied but this could change and it may be your access that's restricted", warned Julia.

headlines . top