Sense responds to Alan Milburn’s first report: ‘Workplaces are not designed with disabled people in mind’

Today, Alan Milburn published his first report exploring why there are almost a million young people who are Not in Employment, Education and Training. Here’s our response to it.

James Watson-O’Neill, chief executive of the national disability charity Sense, said: 

“For too long, disabled people have been locked out of work not because of a lack of ambition or potential, but because systems and workplaces are not designed with disabled people in mind.

“It is right that the Review recognises the failure of government and employers to remove the barriers young disabled people face when trying to find and stay in work. From inaccessible recruitment processes to inflexible workplaces and a lack of tailored support, the system too often fails disabled people – especially those with complex needs.

“Disabled people should not be forced to fit around systems that were never built for them. It is the responsibility of government, employers and public services to create environments where disabled people can thrive, contribute and live with dignity.

“But we must also be clear that not all disabled people can work, and their value cannot be measured by employment alone. A fair society is one that supports disabled people to live independently and free from poverty, whether or not paid work is possible.

“We must recognise the important role the welfare system plays in helping disabled people stay in work and avoid poverty. Benefits like PIP help cover the significant extra costs disabled people face every day, from specialist equipment to transport and care. Offering more employment support for people on Universal Credit would be positive, but it must never come at the cost of cutting financial support and pushing disabled people into hardship.

“The Milburn Review must listen to disabled people, with future recommendations that will remove barriers and transform lives.”