Project DRILLs down into social isolation of young people with learning difficulties
Young people with learning difficulties are at risk of “significant social isolation”, with the risk increasing as they approach adulthood, according to a new report delivered through a ground-breaking research programme. The young people interviewed for the report “unanimously” said they needed practical help, emotional support and communication skills to maintain friendships. Eight young people
DWP should think again on ESA backpayments… and offer compensation, MPs hear
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) should reconsider its decision to offer only a partial backpayment of the money owed to 70,000 disabled people who for years were not receiving the correct level of out-of-work benefits, MPs have heard. One Conservative member of the public accounts committee, Anne Marie Morris, suggested that DWP should
WOW Campaign is back, and pushing for a second House of Commons debate
Disabled campaigners are relaunching the WOW Campaign in a bid to secure a debate in the House of Commons on the need for the government to assess the financial damage caused to disabled people through its cuts and reforms. Four years ago, nearly 105,000 people signed a petition launched by the WOW Campaign that called
WOW Campaign is back, and pushing for a second House of Commons debate
Disabled campaigners are relaunching the WOW Campaign in a bid to secure a debate in the House of Commons on the need for the government to assess the financial damage caused to disabled people through its cuts and reforms. Four years ago, nearly 105,000 people signed a petition launched by the WOW Campaign that called
Office for Disability Issues staff levels have plummeted since 2010, DWP admits
The number of staff working in the government’s Office for Disability Issues (ODI) has plummeted by more than two-thirds under the coalition and Conservative governments, new figures released under the Freedom of Information Act have revealed. In March 2010, just before the Tory-led coalition came to power, there were the equivalent of 48 full-time staff
Survey of disabled members finds ‘unacceptable’ discrimination within Labour party
A new survey of disabled Labour members has revealed “very disturbing” levels of disability discrimination throughout the party. The survey has been released by disabled party activists who have become frustrated at the party’s continuing refusal to take seriously their concerns about widespread discrimination both among local constituency parties and the national Labour party. The
Relegated Premier League clubs ‘should use part of “parachute” millions on access’
Some of the country’s top football clubs have been told by the equality watchdog to spend some of the millions of pounds they receive when promoted and relegated from the Premier League to improve access for disabled fans. The call to spend part of the “balloon” and “parachute” payments on disability access came in the
Four jailed over furniture scam that targeted disabled and older people
Four people have been jailed for their part in a criminal operation set up by a furniture company to target disabled and older people, many of whom were pressured for hours into buying substandard chairs and beds they did not want and did not need. Life Comfort Products Ltd in Peterborough employed “very aggressive and
New government rule ‘forces disabled students to choose between food and equipment’
Thousands of disabled students are being forced to choose between having food to eat or having the equipment they need to study, because a new government rule means they must pay £200 towards the cost of computers they need for disability-related reasons. The government introduced the new rule as part of its controversial reform of
New government rule ‘forces disabled students to choose between food and equipment’
Thousands of disabled students are being forced to choose between having food to eat or having the equipment they need to study, because a new government rule means they must pay £200 towards the cost of computers they need for disability-related reasons. The government introduced the new rule as part of its controversial reform of
Video catches McVey’s misleading claims about disability job stats
Work and pensions secretary Esther McVey has been caught making misleading claims on social media about the number of disabled people in work. McVey had recorded a short video clip (pictured) welcoming this week’s new employment figures, and it was sent out on Tuesday by her department’s press office. In the clip she welcomes the
Disabled people face ‘hidden crisis’ in accessible housing
Disabled people have been left “demoralised and frustrated” by the housing system and face a “chronic shortage” of accessible homes, according to a new report by the equality and human rights watchdog. More than 350,000 disabled people in England have unmet housing needs, with one-third of those in rented accommodation living in unsuitable properties, says
Equality watchdog ‘considering legal action against government’ over rail access failures
The equality watchdog is considering legal action against the government over its failure to ensure an accessible rail service, according to a leading disabled expert. The potential legal action emerged in the wake of anger directed at rail operator Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) – which runs Southern (pictured), Thameslink, Gatwick Express and Great Northern –
