Welcome for incapacity benefit measures

For Immediate Release

NICVA has welcomed the government's proposals to cut the number of people receiving incapacity benefit.

"We have not yet seen the full details but it is surely right to give every help and encouragement to people to return to work. Many need advice on health, a boost to their confidence or re-skilling to go back to the labour market," said chief executive, Seamus McAleavey.

"We also need to look at the role of employers, many of whom are reluctant to employ people who have been off sick for extended periods. It is in their own interests to recognise that there are talents they can use. Employers should welcome people with disabilities rather than discriminating against them."

In its proposals for an anti-poverty strategy last year, NICVA urged government to tackle the problem of economic inactivity - where people are not working but are not defined as unemployed. Few people realise that there are more than 500,000 people in that category in Northern Ireland.

"It is daft to think that our society is divided into two hard and fast groups, those who are healthy and working and those who are incapacitated and out of work. Many people with disabilities are in employment and many more would like to be," Mr McAleavey added.

"Ministers Hanson and Smith have talked about joined-up government because the new proposals bring together a number of departments and agencies. I welcome that but they also need to ensure the voluntary and community sector is actively involved.

"The sector has unique expertise in reaching disadvantaged people, giving them the skills they need to enter work and helping them in the difficult transition from incapacity benefits to employment."

For more information contact Paul McGill at NICVA 028 9087 7777; 0772 1746 8059 (m).