Pendle MP welcomes new help for disabled workers (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Pendle MP welcomes new help for disabled workers

10:37am Friday 7th December 2012 in Pendle

PENDLE MP Andrew Stephenson has welcomed a Government announcement offering extra support to disabled people looking to start their own business or get back into work.

Businesses with more than 49 employees will no longer pay towards the extra costs faced by disabled people in work, saving businesses up to £2,300 for every employee who uses the Access to Work fund.

Disabled jobseekers who want to set up their own business using the New Enterprise Allowance will also now be eligible for Access to Work funding from day one of claiming Jobseekers Allowance.

Mr Stephenson said: “Under this Government, the number of disabled people in work has steadily increased. There are now 123,000 more disabled people in work than before the election.

“This is fantastic progress, but we need to do more. That is why this announcement is so important. We are breaking down the barriers facing disabled people who want to work.”