Big Challenges Need Bigger Solutions: United Response responds to the ‘Get Britain Working’ White Paper

News | 27 November 2024

It is particularly timely that the government chose UK Disability History Month, which has a 2024 theme of “Disability Livelihood and Employment”, to release its ‘Get Britain Working’ white paper. We share our first reflections.

Ali Gunn, United Response’s Director of Communications says:

There are many moments of hope in the white paper. The Youth Guarantee presents a real opportunity to help more young people fulfil their potential. And the promise of personalised employment support is extremely welcome. However, big challenges need bigger solutions.

Recent research from NHS Digital shows that the number of adults with learning disabilities receiving social care who are in employment dropped to 4.7%, a historic all-time low. To help reverse this emphasis should be placed on employers making the reasonable adjustments that support people into those roles and succeed.

The work and benefits system shouldn’t be one of fear and threat. But sadly, for many disabled people, this is the reality. With this white paper the government has a real opportunity to reverse that trend and provide much needed certainty and security. Importantly creating a system with, not against, disabled people that enables them to thrive in work and in life.