Source · Select Committees · Work and Pensions Committee
Recommendation 18
18
Paragraph: 87
We heard from disabled people and disability organisations that some employers simply don’t understand their...
Conclusion
We heard from disabled people and disability organisations that some employers simply don’t understand their legal obligations to provide reasonable adjustments, whilst others continue to flout the law deliberately. The way in which disability is defined in the Equality Act has also left some employers and employees unclear about how its provisions apply. The Government has a clear role to play in ensuring 74 Disability employment gap that employers understand what their obligations are and that employees are aware of what protections are available to them.
Paragraph Reference:
87
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
In response to the predecessor Committee recommendation the Access to Work call handling journey for customers was reviewed and the issues identified addressed. Disability employment gap: Government response 17 Access to Work now provides a number of different channels through which customers can make contact, including the previously referenced Video Relay Service, and Relay UK. During the course of the last year, we have invested in a significant programme of upskilling amongst Access to Work call centre team members to ensure they have the skills and knowledge to resolve customer queries at the initial point of contact. As part of the Access to Work digital transformation we will be looking to further enhance the online offer, including by improving communication support at interview, application and renewal. Further services are being developed, including digital functionality to claim and pay access to work awards. By taking steps to improve the service we will reduce the number of customers’ needing to contact us via the call centre. Disability Confident