Press

Press Release

24th July 2006

Welfare reform must be coupled with a change in attitudes and more resources

The national disability charity United Response is calling for greater measures to tackle stigma and for more investment in job support as the Welfare Reform Bill receives its second reading in the House of Commons today (24th July).

Su Sayer OBE, United Response’s Chief Executive said:

“United Response supports the government’s objective of helping disabled people into work. But we believe that more resources must be made available to provide people with the ongoing support they need.

“Many people with learning disabilities or mental health needs want to work. And our experience has shown that with the right support people can become highly effective employees, valued by both their colleagues and their employers.

“But stigma continues to be a huge barrier for many people looking to enter or return to the workplace.

“Some employers still have negative attitudes towards employing someone with a learning disability or a mental health need for the first time.

“Welfare reform on its own will do little to change this. The government needs to actively work with employers to address their concerns and to support them as they in turn support others.”

“We are concerned that without these extra measures people will be penalised by a system which encourages them to work, but which does not offer the ongoing support they need to get and hold down a job.”

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For more information please contact Sarah Bartlett or Jaime Gill in the United Response Press Office on020 8246 5237/ 020 8246 5122 or email

Notes to editors:

United Response is a national charity offering skilled care and support to adults with learning disabilities or mental health needs across England. It builds its care and support around each person, providing everything from 24-hour care to helping someone living in his or her own flat to get a job.