Disability Working Group
Satellite Group 1 Meeting Note 22 August 2005
Group 1 - employment.
Attendance:
David Thomson, Scottish Executive: Equality Unit (Temp Chair)
Joe Dowd, Scottish Executive: Transitions to Work
Gillian Lawrence, Disability Rights Commission
Linda Long, Sense Scotland
Padam Singh, Scottish Enterprise
Ian Sneddon, Scottish Disability Equality Forum
Fiona Stewart, Scottish Council on Deafness
Chris White, SAMH
Also attending
Deep Sagar, Glasgow Employer Coalition
Apologies and non-attendees:
Teri Devine, RNID Scotland (Chair)
Ian Montgomery, STUC
Introduction
1. David welcomed the group members to the third of the satellite group 1 meetings. Those attending introduced themselves.
2. The purpose of today's meeting was to take on board more information and to discuss recommendations which might help disabled people as employees. Deep Sagar from the Glasgow Employer Coalition would speak about a Glasgow-based project aiming to help disabled people into work.
Note of last meeting
3. The note of the meeting on 28 May was agreed.
Background papers
4. The group received background papers and information on the following:
- Disability employment models and implications for Scotland
- Fresh Talent and Future Skills Scotland
- Skillseekers and modern apprenticeships
- The Enterprise and Culture Committee inquiry
- Jobcentre Plus disability advisers
- Workplace accreditation: Investors in People; Chartermark; 'Two Ticks' symbol; Scotland's Health at Work
- Background details of the Disability Rights Commission's Employment Reference Group
Discussion
5. The group had a wide discussion of the issues raised in the papers, focusing mainly on disabled people as employees. Key points arising from the discussion were:
- The idea set out in the minutes of the previous meeting on making a case (and developing case studies) that disabled people would gain financially from entering into the labour market. The issues here were thought to be exacerbated by mistrust of the motives of Government. The desire for development of business cases for employers and employees was reiterated.
- While the importance of sticking to potential recommendations for the Scottish Executive was stressed, it was also pointed out that the Scottish Parliament's Disability Inquiry was taking evidence on employment issues.
- It was noted that the Disability Rights Commission have good examples of individuals who have faced and overcome barriers to employment.
- There was discussion as to what the Executive could do to persuade disabled individuals to use the services which are available. This was especially important given the wide variety of Return to Work support which was currently available.
Presentation from Deep Sagar, Glasgow Employer Coalition
6. Deep Sagar presented on a project which was designed to bring together disabled people and employers to create employment opportunities for individuals. The presentation is available in a separate file. The following key points were raised in discussion:
- Gillian asked if mainstream job fairs could include disabled people? Deep felt that it was important to ensure proper tailoring of a package to ensure maximum benefit for participants.
- Chris asked about the importance of the role of intermediary bodies given the mistrust of information already discussed? Sometimes even the use of Government logos could make people distrust an event. Deep felt that the role of intermediary bodies was important in ensuring and developing trust.
- Padam agreed that this format works - based on his experience with minority ethnic clients in an event run by Scottish Enterprise - and that it does need to be tailored for specific clients.
- Linda asked what level of specialist support was required, and what follow-up and ongoing support was necessary. Deep said that the initial 6-12 months were important and that support workers were available as part of the process.
- Gillian asked if employers knew about the Disability Discrimination Act and their responsibilities. And what attitudes did they have? Deep felt that employers did see the problem, however when talking theoretically it was difficult for them to see past disability as an issue. However if dealing practically with a disabled person then it was much easier for them.
- Joe felt that this was a model which had merit, was on a small scale, which had worked, and which could potentially be replicated.
7. The following potential recommendations emerged from the discussion:
- Development of case studies on the benefits of employing disabled people (for employers) and the benefits of employment (for disabled people), with some level of cross-sectoral support.
- Replication and expansion of specific employability events aimed at bringing disabled people and employers together.
8. A list of action points were agreed as set out at the end of this minute.
Planning future meetings
9. The group has two further meetings planned. At the next meeting it will be important to discuss possible recommendations for the Satellite Group.
Planning the report back to the Core Group (15 September)
10. David agreed to report back to the Core Group meeting on 15 September.
Equality Unit
September 2005
Action points
1. Ian to provide a quick summary on DWP's 'The Knowledge' on disability and employment issues.
2. Equality Unit to pull together a paper summarising and discussing potential recommendations.
3. All group members to submit potential recommendations to Equality Unit for collation.