Source · Select Committees · Work and Pensions Committee
Recommendation 8
8
Acknowledged
Paragraph: 61
Minister intends root and branch review of Disability Confident scheme
Conclusion
We welcome the Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work’s intention for “a root and branch” review of the Disability Confident scheme and his acknowledgment of the role this will play in changing attitudes around disabled workers.
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the review of the Disability Confident Scheme, stating work was paused due to a High Court decision but has now resumed, with officials refining recommendations based on gathered evidence.
Paragraph Reference:
61
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
In late 2021, we began a review of the Disability Confident Scheme, announced in the National Disability Strategy (NDS), which gathered evidence and views about the scheme from a broad range of stakeholders including the Disability Confident Business Leaders Group and Professional Advisers Group, and from employers’ disability charities, and other key stakeholders. However, in January 2022, the High Court declared the NDS was unlawful, therefore, we paused work directly related to the Disability Confident review. In July 2023, the Court of Appeal overturned the High Court’s previous declaration that the NDS was unlawful. In light of this decision, we have re-examined the evidence gathered and the initial review findings, and officials are refining the recommendations. We will continue the important work of implementing this long-term strategy to transform disabled people’s everyday lives for the better. The Government is currently consulting on the Disability Action Plan, the consultation closes on the 6th of October 2023. The government response to the consultation will be published in due course.