The Business Disability Forum (BDF) has released a manifesto urging the next UK Government to implement a comprehensive disability, health, and employment strategy.
- The manifesto outlines five strategies for improving experiences and opportunities for disabled individuals in multiple sectors.
- It stresses the importance of inclusive education pathways and workplace adjustments for accessibility and career advancement.
- The document calls for reforms in funding and services such as Access to Work and Statutory Sick Pay (SSP).
- It highlights the need for an integrated strategy encompassing policies, data, and infrastructure for disability inclusion.
The Business Disability Forum (BDF) unveiled its manifesto on 13 June 2024, advocating for a nationwide disability, health, and employment policy. The initiative is aimed at enriching opportunities for disabled individuals across workplaces, customer interactions, and societal roles. The manifesto, grounded in contributions from its business members and disabled employees, articulates five foundational strategies required for a progressive policy shift.
Ensuring inclusive education and career paths is paramount. The manifesto proposes accessible educational journeys, inclusive advice, and pathways such as apprenticeships and internships. Post-education support should also be emphasised, enabling tailored career advancements.
Workplace adjustments are identified as crucial in enabling disabled individuals to secure and maintain employment. These adjustments pertain to modifications that eliminate workplace barriers arising from disabilities.
Access to Work programme enhancements are highlighted as essential. The manifesto suggests elevating Access to Work to a primary resource for disabled individuals, circumventing financial limitations by abolishing existing caps.
Reforming sick pay entitlements, including linking fit note renewal to statutory sick pay reform, is recommended. This would accommodate phased return-to-work scenarios, ensuring no financial detriment.
The introduction of a disability and employment data strategy is advocated for, urging a shift from mere figures to qualitative data understanding. This would measure factors aiding or hindering employment retention.
In addition to policy reform, BDF calls for significant investments in technology and infrastructure. Ensuring disabled individuals have access to life-enhancing technology, alongside implementing nationwide accessible communication standards, is vital.
Infrastructure requirements include a cohesive plan integrating health and social care, reliable transport systems, and enhanced caregiver support.
Finally, BDF suggests establishing inclusive procurement standards ensuring accessibility across all public services and technology developments.
For meaningful disability inclusion, comprehensive policy reform and strategic investment in resources are imperative.
