A new strategy called ‘Valuing Employment Now’ was launched by the Government on 24th June 09. 3 government ministers were there to give their support.

Frances Affleck and Karen Harris attended for CHANGE. They were pleased to hear good things about the employment of people with learning disabilities.

Frances said: "The day was about people with learning disabilities getting jobs. I met people with learning disabilities who work but not all for a living wage. The people with learning disabilities talked about work and the jobs they do, and the support they get when they are at work".

Phil Hope, Minister for Care Services at the Department of Health said that the government aim was to increase the number of people with learning disabilities in work to 45,000 by 2025.

Jonathan Shaw, Minister for Disabled People, Department of Work and Pensions, said that if more people with learning disabilities were seen in the workplace, bullying and hate crime would be reduced.

Angela Smith, Minister of State for the Cabinet Office, said that as the minister responsible for groups who are excluded, she would be setting up a Social Exclusion Task Force to see that people are not left out.

Scott Watkin, Co-National Director for Learning Disabilities, Department of Health, said “People with learning disabilities find it hard to find jobs. I found that the problems start at school because no one believes you have the potential to get a job.  Employers need better understanding about how to employ people with learning disabilities and given them right training".

CHANGE says: "The strategy includes plans to train lots more job coaches to support people with learning disabilities into employment. We hope that the Government gives some of its money to organisations who already employ people with learning disabilities so that they can do the training. After all we are the experts!"