Bosses urging more help for disabled

BUSINESS LEADERS are calling for measures to help disabled people, including closing their employment gap.

Mandatory workforce reporting should be introduced, which would be a “vital step” in bringing greater transparency for measuring progress, the Government is being told.

In an open letter to Prime Minister Boris Johnson, business leaders including Post Office chief executive Nick Read, Schroders chief executive Peter Harrison and Clifford Chance global managing partner Matthew Layton urged him to deliver an “ambitious and transformative” disability plan.

The letter is supported by the Disability Commission, an independent body backed by the Centre for Social Justice, which is soon to publish a new report on the issue.

Lord Shinkwin, who chairs the commission, said: “We really hope the Prime Minister will listen and build our recommendations into his upcoming National Strategy for Disabled People.

“As he has said, his strategy is a once-in-a-generation opportunity. It is vital that we seize it and chart a new course that is more than just warm words. Now is the time for action.”

The disability employment gap has widened as a result of the pandemic.

The commission argues that until employment disadvantage is addressed disabled people will continue to face social exclusion, financial hardship and reduced wellbeing.

Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson, gold medal-winning former Paralympian and a commission member, said: “Right now, disabled people feel that we’re going backwards. That’s why we really need the PM to keep his promise of a transformative strategy and drive change from the front.”