Disabled People: Employment

Lord Wigley Excerpts

Thursday 15th March 2012 Lords Chamber

[Lord De Mauley]

I am grateful to the noble Lord for that point. I cannot answer specific questions about geographies but I can say that we are absolutely committed to supporting Remploy employees. I have mentioned the £8 million comprehensive personalised package of support for all those who are affected by these proposals. Any disabled member of staff who is made redundant will receive an offer of individualised support for up to 18 months to help with the transition from government-funded sheltered employment into mainstream employment. This will include access to a personal budget to aid that transition. As I have said, we will also be working with employers and the Employers’ Forum on Disability with a view to offering targeted work opportunities.

[Lord Wigley]

My Lords, following the point made by the noble Lord, Lord Touhig, does the Minister accept that the responsibilities of the National Assembly for Wales include both disability and aspects of employment, and that, indeed, in the context of the Welfare Reform Act the Government are passing resources to the Assembly to undertake responsibilities on what have been non-devolved subjects? Given that, is it not possible to respond positively to the question put by the noble Lord, Lord Touhig?

[Lord De Mauley]

My Lords, I am afraid that I have answered that question and I have nothing further to add.