Source · Select Committees · Work and Pensions Committee
Recommendation 27
27
Not Addressed
Paragraph: 117
As part of its evaluation, to improve the effectiveness of the scheme, we recommend that...
Recommendation
As part of its evaluation, to improve the effectiveness of the scheme, we recommend that the Department should establish an independent body to carry out objective external assessments of Disability Confident employers at levels 2 and 3 to monitor whether they are fulfilling their obligations. The Department should consider what action it could take against employers that are failing to meet their Disability Confident requirements.
Government response summary AI-generated
The government's response describes the Kickstart and Restart schemes, their support for disabled participants, and monitoring efforts for these programs, but it does not address the recommendation to establish an independent body for external assessments of Disability Confident employers or to consider punitive measures for non-compliance.
Summary of the government's response below — read the verbatim text to verify.
Paragraph Reference:
117
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government · verbatim extract
Not Addressed
The Disability Confident scheme was developed by disabled people, disability organisations and employers with the aim being that employers took responsibility and demonstrated their commitment to being Disability Confident. This approach was endorsed by the Disability Confident Steering Group, including disabled people, disability organisations and employers. The review of levels 2 and 3 will provide an opportunity to seek views on the level of external assessment. The scheme has a process for employers to follow to resolve issues or complaints related to their administration in the scheme. If after following the process issues remain unresolved, DWP may then contact the employer to: • seek their view on the issue(s) involved. • consider with the employer whether they are failing to comply with some or all of the Disability Confident criteria. • if they are failing to comply, discuss an improvement plan and timetable for remedying the situation. DWP would expect the employer to be able to show that they are taking action to address the issue(s). If there is clear evidence that the employer is not applying the policies and/ or practices of the Disability Confident scheme, DWP reserves the right to suspend or remove the Disability Confident status of the employer. We will consider the complaints process as part of the DC review.
Read the full response on Parliament ↗