Chloe Smith MP receives Ministerial backing for the next phase of the Norwich for Jobs Campaign

Member of Parliament for Norwich North, Chloe Smith, yesterday received strong backing from the Minister for Disabled People for the next phase of the Norwich for Jobs Campaign.

 

Chloe asked the Minister to report on the Department for Work and Pension’s progress on the Disability Confident campaign, which helps to support people with disabilities into employment.

 

The Minister (Justin Tomlinson MP) reported that:

 

“The Disability Confident campaign continues to play a crucial role in the Government’s aim of halving the disability gap. It has secured support from 360 employers and pledges from 98 organisations to positively change employment practices towards disabled staff.”

 

Chloe told the House of Commons that, following the Norwich for Jobs campaign’s unprecedented success in halving youth unemployment in the city, the next phase of the programme would seek to support young people claiming Employment and Support Allowance in their efforts to find work.

 

Chloe asked the Minister to back her call to Norwich businesses, asking them to give a young disabled person a chance to work.

 

The Minister responded:

 

“I am delighted to hear of the success my hon. Friend has achieved in her constituency with Norwich for Jobs. That is exactly the kind of local initiative that I welcome, and to which I am pleased to add my support. In addition, I hope that her local authority, local enterprise partnership and business community do all they can to help to promote that fantastic scheme.”

 

Speaking after the debate, Chloe commented:

 

“Young people with disabilities face a double dose of challenges during the transition from education to employment. The Disability Confident campaign shows how Government can support those with disabilities to lead a full life.

 

“Locally, I look forward to shifting the focus of the Norwich for Jobs campaign to young people with disabilities, helping them to find employment after they leave school. I would urge any local business looking to take someone on, to give a young disabled person a chance.”