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 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 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
The Government are the people who run the country. The Government decide how much tax people should pay and how things like the National Health Service (NHS) should work.
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.”