More money to help disabled workers into sustained employment

Changes to WORKSTEP, a programme that helps disabled people find and retain paid employment mean the sustained progression payment will be increased fourfold from £500 to £2000. The changes were announced by Peter Hain, before his resignation, at a visit on the 21st of January to Newco, which delivers the WORKSTEP programme for the London Borough of Newham Council. Anne McGuire (pictured), minister for disabled people added: “The aim of this move is to provide a better financial incentive for providers to progress customers into unsupported, independent work when they are able and ready to. We do of course recognise that there are many people who will need the long term support that WORKSTEP can provide, possibly for the whole of their working lives, and we will continue to ensure that they receive this support for as long as they need it. There is no change in the number of places currently filled by WORKSTEP participants. But we are determined to help more disabled people fulfil their true potential in work.” WORKSTEP is a supported employment programme aimed at helping disabled people find and retain work. The programme provides support for those facing the greatest barriers to finding and keeping a job. Supported employees on WORKSTEP work either in jobs in the open labour market, via supported placements, or within supported businesses, established to employ disabled people. WORKSTEP aims to help people progress to unsupported employment where this is the right option for them.