Disability organisations have given a cool reception to a government document that pledges sweeping changes to the benefits system. Although the plans outlined in 21st Century Welfare are lacking in detail and include several options for reform, they focus on a […]
News Archive
Tube cuts ‘could undermine mobility of disabled people’
Planned cuts to hundreds of jobs across London Underground could make it harder for disabled passengers to secure the assistance they need to use the service say campaigners. Three organisations that campaign on disability issues – London Visual Impairment Forum (LVIF), […]
Tanzania project breaks new ground for unions
A unique project – backed by international trade unions – aims to promote the employment rights of disabled people in Tanzania. The pilot programme will find jobs for 20 disabled people, while training existing trade union members in Tanzania to be […]
Police considering new probe into abuse allegations
Police are considering reopening an investigation into abuse of people with learning difficulties at an NHS day centre, after a report detailing the abuse was leaked to the press. The report describes how staff at the Solar Centre in Doncaster allegedly […]
Shadow of spending cuts hangs over autism consultation
The coalition government has launched a consultation on the guidance that will provide the “teeth” of the new Autism Act in England. But it has already warned that the new draft guidance for social care and health services should be seen […]
Rapid passage of Academies Act leaves SEN concerns in its wake
Campaigners say they have “huge concerns” about how the new Academies Act will affect disabled pupils’ ability to obtain the specialist support they need. The act, which received royal assent this week after being rushed through parliament, makes it easier for […]
Employers ‘missing out on young disabled talent’
Talented and highly-educated young disabled people are continuing to miss out on opportunities for training, employment and career progression, according to a new report. The Right to Work report is the latest investigation by the Trailblazers group of young disabled campaigners […]
New powers ‘could finally force change on voting access’
The UK’s elections watchdog says that tough new powers would allow it to force action from elections officers who fail to make their polling stations accessible to disabled people. The Electoral Commission called for the new powers in a report on […]
Minister hints that ILF could be scrapped
The minister for disabled people has hinted that the government could be set to scrap the Independent Living Fund (ILF) as part of its spending review. In a ministerial statement this week, Maria Miller MP attacked the previous government for failing […]
Work Choice given government go-ahead
The coalition government is to go ahead with plans to launch a new work programme for disabled people with higher support needs. The Labour government had announced plans to replace specialist programmes such as WORKSTEP with a new scheme called Work […]