New benefit could be good news for employers and disabled people, says EFD
24th October 2008
The new Employment Support Benefit (ESA) could be good news for disabled people and employers if it meets the needs of both groups, says Employers’ Forum on Disability (EFD).
From Monday 27 October, ESA replaces Incapacity Benefit and Income Support for people who:
- Are claiming these benefits for the first time, and
- Whose ability to work is limited by ill health or disability.
Susan Scott-Parker, chief executive of EFD, said: “We know from the experience of our members that it makes business sense for everyone when disabled people successfully move from benefits into work.
“For example, employers expert in making reasonable adjustments can make typical savings of £2,000 through return to work and increased productivity per individual.
“We share the government’s stated aim of getting more disabled people into work. It is encouraging that the government has mentioned the need for services for employers to help disabled people into work.
“Employers and intermediary agencies like Jobcentre Plus will need support with practicalities like reasonable adjustments if they are to become disability confident. We look forward to working with government to help shape these services to make them relevant to employers.”
Ends
Notes to editors
Media enquiries, please contact:
Liz Nightingale, Communications Manager
Employers' Forum on Disability
Email: liz.nightingale@efd.org.uk
Telephone: 020 7403 3020
About Employers' Forum on Disability
Employers' Forum on Disability is the employers' organisation focused on disability as it affects employers and service providers. With over 400 members, EFD represents organisations that employ around 20 per cent of the UK workforce.Since its establishment in 1991, EFD has worked closely with government and other stakeholders, sharing best practice to make it easier to employ disabled people and serve disabled customers.