Source · Select Committees · Work and Pensions Committee
Recommendation 38
38
Acknowledged
The evidence we heard suggests that the Department’s engagement with disabled people on developing its...
Recommendation
The evidence we heard suggests that the Department’s engagement with disabled people on developing its National Strategy for Disabled People has been poor. We recommend that the Department immediately accept SSAC’s proposal for a protocol for engaging with disabled people. In response to this report, the Department should set out a timeframe for when it will begin publishing information about its engagement with disabled people. (Paragraph 181) Disability employment gap 79
Government response summary AI-generated
The government details its extensive engagement through the UK Disability Survey and other events for the National Disability Strategy, and commits to reviewing its engagement methods with disabled people, but does not accept the SSAC protocol or provide a timeframe for publishing engagement information.
Summary of the government's response below — read the verbatim text to verify.
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government · verbatim extract
Acknowledged
The Cabinet Office based Disability Unit has led development of the National Disability Strategy, working across government and reporting to DWP Ministers. The National Disability Strategy was published on 28 July 2021 and aims to improve disabled people’s everyday lives. The strategies breadth is informed by one of the biggest listening exercises with disabled people in our recent history. The UK Disability Survey saw over 14,000 people respond, providing information about their everyday experiences. Engagement was also through our regional and national networks, virtual workshops and other events, alongside detailed dialogues with disabled people. The National Disability Strategy commits to reviewing the way the UK government engages with disabled people, through discussion with disabled people and disabled people’s organisations and charities. Disability employment gap: Government response 27 Conclusion I hope these responses serve to reassure the Committee of my Department’s ongoing dedication to address the disparities in employment for disabled people. As incoming Minister since the publication of the report, I am personally tremendously excited and committed to leading this work going forward and look forward to working closely with the Committee, expert stakeholders and disabled people as we build and develop our approach. Chloe Smith MP Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work
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