BDF calls for UK Government to commit to disability inclusion

Non-profit Business Disability Forum (BDF) has published a ‘Manifesto for Inclusive Change’ today, to mark the United Nations International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

It’s also calling on the future UK Government to commit to a series of actions to support businesses to deliver on disability inclusion. The manifesto calls for action in seven areas to ensure that the role businesses play in disabled people’s lives is enhanced, and not inhibited, by government policy. These include:

• The introduction of targeted opportunities, including paid apprenticeships, for people with learning disabilities; recognising the challenges presented by a flattening of job infrastructure.
• To carry out a robust equality analysis of environmental and human rights policies.
• To seek the development of a new cross-Government approach to disability; bringing whole-Government consideration to all policy development.
• To prevent any further watering down of the Equality Act and increasing the enforcement powers and authority of the EHRC, or a similar body. Rights must be enforced, not just protected.
• To reform Access to Work and to remove the £59,200 cap.
• To ensure all education and learning opportunities are inclusive and accessible.
• To introduce a wholesale shift from mandatory ‘one-size-fits-all businesses’ government-led initiatives to an outcome focus approach.

PRIORITISING DISABILITY INCLUSION

Commenting on the manifesto, Diane Lightfoot, CEO, Business Disability Forum, stated: “Business Disability Forum’s 300 Members and Partners represent 30% of the workforce in the UK. They have all committed to make disability inclusion a priority within their organisations. We now need a commitment from the future Government which mirrors this, and which enhances rather than inhibits the actions being taken by businesses.”

We are in a period of immense change, as a result of Brexit, skills gaps and shortages in many key sectors, climate change, technology and innovation, she pointed out.

“Our ‘Manifesto for Inclusive change’ draws on the experiences of our Members and Partners and disabled people working within those organisations. We are calling for informed, joined-up, inclusive policies which deliver on improving the life chances of disabled people and ensure disabled people are not left behind,” added Lightfoot.

To read Business Disability Forum’s ‘Manifesto for Inclusive Change’ visit the BDF website or follow the debate at #DisabilitySmart.