Employer subsidy finally launched for young people on Work Choice

The Government has announced that the employer subsidy previously announced for young disabled people finding work through Work Choice is now operational. From today, employers can claim a payment of up to £2,275 when they recruit a young disabled person through Work Choice.

The subsidy will sit alongside the £1 billion Youth Contract and was extended to Work Choice following criticism that it only previously applied to young poeople finding work through the Work Programme.

Minister for Disabled People, Maria Miller said:
"Young disabled people tell me they want the same job opportunities as everyone else and in every sector of the economy. That is why we are encouraging employers to give young disabled people a chance by offering this new wage incentive.

"This will not only help young disabled people gain practical experience in the workplace, but also showcase their talents and give them the edge in a tough jobs market."

It won't however "give the edge" for young disabled people who find work outside of the Government's programmes. Many young people with substantial disabilities are finding themselves unable to access Work Choice and the employer subsidy won't apply if they find work through the support of local specialist services such as those funded by local authorities.

The Government has also announced that young disabled jobseekers on work experience will be able to access extra support to help them into mainstream placements through Access to Work. Until now, the scheme has only been available to those in paid work, but from the autumn it will now be extended to those doing work experience placements as well. The operational details of this scheme are as yet unclear.

http://www.dwp.gov.uk/newsroom/press-releases/2012/jul-2012/dwp084-12.shtml