BASE statement on Sayce Review of Disability Employment Programmes

BASE welcomes the publication of Liz Sayce’s review of disability employment programmes. We are particularly pleased that the review acknowledges that the place, train and maintain model of supported employment is recognised as the most effective means of delivering support to those who are at most risk of economic exclusion. It is clear that the use of personal budgets offers an opportunity to deliver the support that disabled people want. There is, of course, work to be done to ensure that a new funding system is fit for purpose.

We are however concerned that local disinvestment is making it much harder for services to deliver the support that we know works so well. We know that there are savings to be made by supporting people with significant disabilities into work. Evidence is building to show that supported employment has a vital role to play in the modernising of day services and health provision.

A way needs to be found to ensure that mainstream funding can be used for the place, train and maintain model so that all people with a disability get the evidence-based support they need to get a job and develop a career.

We welcome the call for more people to be able to get support through Access to Work though this will require a significant increase in funding for the programme. We are pleased with the recommendations to simplify the system and to support employers, particularly those employing people with fluctuating conditions.

BASE urges caution around the removal of funding from supported businesses. Previous closures have resulted in high levels of unemployment. This recommendation needs to be thought through and planned well if disabled employees are to remain in alternative employment.

BASE supports the transformation of supported business into enterprises, whether they be mutuals or other forms of social enterprise. Comprehensive business support will be vital. The viability of supported businesses has not been helped by the absence of a Government strategy for using reserved contracts within public procurement. We urge the Government to follow the example of the Scottish Government where a procurement strategy is being developed collaboratively.

We look forward to working with the Government to make employment a reality for many more disabled jobseekers. Their aspiration for work has always been evident. It’s now up to the Government and providers to work in partnership to make this a reality.