Today Anne Main MP spoke at the Department for Work and Pension’s Disability Confident event at Oaklands College, organised by the St Albans Job Centre. The campaign seeks to encourage employers to hire disabled people, and reduce the percentage of disabled people that are able to work but are unemployed.

The St Albans MP was delighted to have been invited to speak at a ‘very worthwhile’ event, which ‘brought together local businesses, charities and public bodies in order to build the confidence of local employers in the recruitment of disabled people.’ Anne was accompanied by St Albans Mayor, Geoff Harrison, who opened the event.

The principal goal is to get work-ready disabled job seekers into work with local employers who have the right support in place to enable them to succeed.

Anne said, ‘this was very worthwhile event. Giving disabled people who are able to work the chance of employment and the confidence that comes with that is a very welcome thing.

‘Working with local charities, I know the challenges facing disabled people. That said, I’m also aware of how much disabled people can and do contribute in the workplace. Sometimes it just takes a little vision to make things happen.’

The Minister for Disabled People, Mark Harper, said:
‘With record employment and almost 700,000 vacancies in the economy today, employers should be making the most of the talent that exists amongst disabled people in this country.

‘I want to see disabled people able to take full advantage of our growing economy and the jobs created, and that’s why it’s great to see Anne Main MP leading the way in St Albans by hosting a Disability Confident event.

‘This isn’t just about doing what’s right, it’s about recognising that diverse workplaces are stronger workplaces and that means more dynamic and stronger businesses to drive forward our economic recovery.’