Tailored support better than stereotyped attacks at helping local disabled people into work - Stunell

11.27.37am BST (GMT +0100) Fri 14th Oct 2005

Following the much trailed comments in the national press about how David Blunkett, the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions wants people on incapacity benefits to stop watching daytime TV, get on their bikes and get a job, Hazel Grove MP,

Andrew Stunell said:

"There are over 10,000 people claiming incapacity benefits in Stockport and very many of them will be more than willing to get the help and support they need to get a suitable job.

"Mr Blunkett's comments are a cheek when his own Government have only just closed down Marple Job Centre, and seem determined to strip our area of all help.

"Recent research shows that where there is individually targeted help and support, disabled people can be helped back into work. We need more of that, and less nonsense from a Minister who seems more interested in making dramatic headlines that stereotype incapacity benefit recipients.

"It would have been better if Mr Blunkett had taken the opportunity to publicise the Access to Work programme which helps employers make a variety of adjustments in the workplace when they have employees with disabilities. This is a good scheme so it is a scandal that three quarters of small firms know nothing about it."

"I shall be pressing the Government to ensure that there is genuine investment in high quality support and advice across the whole country." ENDS