Mencap responds to Autumn statement – Forcing people with a learning disability into work could push them into poverty

Responding to the news that the Government is cutting benefit entitlement, implement mandatory work placements and increasing sanctions on disabled people, Dan Scorer, Head of Policy and Public Affairs at Learning Disability charity Mencap says:

“Plans to force more people with a learning disability into work without support, and heightening sanctions is short-sighted, ill thought-out, and risks pushing more people into poverty.

“Hundreds of thousands of people with a learning disability want to work but they face multiple barriers moving into work – from stigma and prejudice, to inaccessible application forms and lack of adjustments in interviews. The employment support available for people with a learning disability is inadequate and without it many are unable to get a job. The government must ensure there is more tailored support to help people with a learning disability get into work, including better training for work coaches.”

Responding to the Government’s Autumn statement announcement about benefit uprating, Dan Scorer, Head of Policy and Public Affairs at Learning Disability charity Mencap says:

“While we welcome the increase in benefits in line with inflation, people with a learning disability may still lose out, as many face higher living costs than non-disabled people.

“Worryingly, more than a third of people with a learning disability we surveyed were not putting on their heating even when it was cold because of energy costs. Everyone should have a warm home this winter. We are urging Government to provide an additional winter payment for people who have higher energy bills because of their disability.”