Britain’s Prime Minister Theresa May launched a big drive Tuesday to tackle barriers faced by Britain’s 14 million disabled people.
In what is seen as one of May’s legacy initiatives following her resignation last month, the outgoing PM unveiled a new package of measures to end injustices faced by disabled people in the workplace, at home and in the community.
Proposals include higher accessibility standards for new housing, an overhaul of statutory sick pay for workers, and greater workplace support to ensure disabled people can fully participate in society.
New national data for disabled people will also be published to shine a light on injustices faced by disabled people.
With around a fifth of the working age population living with a disability, May has also announced a new cross-government disability team.
The team will work closely with disabled people, organisations and charities to develop a new approach to disability, with their views and experiences at the forefront of any new government policy.
A consultation on new measures to help employers better support disabled people and those with long-term health conditions in work is to be published next month.
Charities that offer help and support to disabled people have welcomed the announcement.
Mark Hodgkinson, CEO of disability equality charity Scope, said: “Continued action from government to tackle the barriers Britain’s 14 million disabled people face is welcome. We know that half of disabled people feel excluded from society, and are too often shut out of work.”
Source: Xinhua
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