Jackie O’Sullivan, acting chief executive of
learning disability
A learning disability is to do with the way someone's brain works. It makes it harder for someone to learn, understand or do things.
charity Mencap, said:
“We are deeply concerned the Chancellor is looking at the issues of disability benefits the wrong way and penalising disabled people through sanctions rather than tackling the barriers they face in
employment
Employment means having a job.
.
“Our new
research
Research is a way of finding out information which could come from books, or asking people what they think.
found 86% of people with a learning disability want paid work but face significant barriers getting a job - the biggest obstacle being that the benefit system is preventing people from moving into work. As a result, only 26% of people with a learning disability are in work.
“We have found no
DWP
DWP stands for the government Department of Work and Pensions.
programme adequately addresses these barriers and supports people with a learning disability into work. People with a learning disability often feel caught in a benefits trap – an over-complex benefits system leaves many people feeling confused and fearful of benefit sanctions.
“Today's announcement by the chancellor will only compound the problem and move people with a learning disability further from the labour market. If the government wants to move people into work, they need to expand funding for supported employment programmes and enable people with a learning disability who can work to achieve their aspirations.”