Oral Answers to Questions

James Morris Excerpts

Monday 18th December 2017 Commons Chamber

The Secretary of State was asked—

[James Morris (Halesowen and Rowley Regis) (Con)]

1. What progress his Department is making on implementing the Disability Confident scheme.

[The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (Mr David Gauke)]

Over 5,000 employers have signed up to Disability Confident since its launch in November 2016. The Disability Confident business leaders group, made up of prominent national businesses, is promoting the scheme to other employers. I am pleased to report that all the main ministerial Government Departments have now achieved Disability Confident leader status.

[James Morris]

Does the Secretary of State agree that Disability Confident will prove to be an effective way of breaking down barriers for disabled people to get into work, particularly by addressing the issues of stigma that a lot of disabled people still feel? In that regard, would he consider attending my Disability Confident event in Halesowen on 26 January?

[Mr Gauke]

I will certainly consider my hon. Friend’s kind invitation. I agree that a lot of Disability Confident events have been very productive in engaging employers at local level and encouraging them to see the benefits of employing disabled people. The Department for Work and Pensions continues to support local authorities and MPs in holding such events, so maybe I will have the opportunity to attend one in his constituency.