Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Business
Zahra Khaliq

DWP to introduce new Q&A website as part of £6.4m fund for disabled workers

A new £6.4 million online service is being introduced to help thousands of UK businesses support disabled people and those with health conditions in the workplace.

The DWP (Department for Work and Pensions) service will give employers the tools they need to empower and encourage workers.

It comes as the number of disabled people in employment has increased by 1.3 million since 2017.

But the Government is aiming to see one million more in work by 2027.

An early test version of the Support with Employee Health and Disability service is already providing businesses with essential information.

The current "test mode" has been built with the help of various businesses and disability groups who have shared their own opinions on how best to shape the future of the service.

The project aims to build more diverse and inclusive workforces (In Pictures via Getty Images)

Smaller businesses will especially benefit, as many do not have in-house HR support, or access to an occupational health service.

The project aims to build more diverse and inclusive workforces.

In a user-friendly online Q&A format, employers can get free advice on how to manage staff who may be in or out of work with a disability or long-term health condition.

The service also covers potential changes an employer could make to help them return to and stay in work.

This will support the Government's drive to boost employment rates and ensure everyone has the right to benefit from being in work.

Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work, Claire Coutinho said: "Since 2017 we have seen one million more disabled people in work, beating our target by five years.

"Now we want to go even further by giving more employers the tools and information they need to ensure disabled people and those with health conditions can succeed in the workplace.

It will support the Government's drive to boost employment rates (PA)

"As the new Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work, there is no end to my ambition to build on the success of the Department by making sure disabled people have the same opportunities as everyone else to start, stay and succeed in work."

The government hopes that access to information for employers will mean anyone from any background can start a job, stay and succeed.

Once fully developed, the service will also help employers understand their legal obligations, including how to make adjustments for disabled people and those with health conditions.

Over the next three years, the government will invest £1.3 billion in the site, continually updating and improving it using feedback given from surveys.

This huge investment go towards building up existing provision, including expanding employment support, to grow the economy and help people with the cost-of-living.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.