Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps her Department is taking to ensure that the Restart employment scheme is fully accessible for disabled people.

Restart will be fully accessible for all scheme participants, including those with health conditions and disabilities. At the core of Restart is the requirement on providers to design and deliver a personalised service that addresses individuals’ support needs.

The contracts also make specific requirements on providers regarding accessibility. Under the terms of the Equality Act, providers will be required to enable equal access to the provision. They will be required to fund additional support for anyone who needs extra help to attend and fully participate in Restart, which may include travel and specialist equipment. They must also take necessary steps to obtain and provide special aids or services that might be needed to enable participation.

Restart providers will also be required to be Disability Confident Leaders, and therefore to be fully aware of best practice in supporting disabled people.