Common-sense says that benefit bullying hasn’t produced miraculous recoveries in the past. Rebuilding lives and still saving money will need better, broader changes that haven’t got the right attention yet.
Rather than the blame-game, let’s tackle the big picture:
Poverty, low education and NHS failures. OK, all are long-term but that’s not an excuse for not starting down that road.
Grab the volunteers. We’re told that there are a million disabled people who’d work if they could. Let’s build on all that ambition and nurture their hopes. They can show what’s possible and change minds.
Offer the right help. Simply shovelling some “careers” people into Jobcentres won’t mean they can make the difference for that middle-aged man or woman when confidence-sapping life changes make past skills and experience seem worthless. (And Jobcentres haven’t done well on the trust and empathy stakes either)
Tackle employers’ problems. It shouldn’t be about getting people “back-to-work” but avoiding them losing jobs in the first place. That’ll need more help, investment, education all round and a little crack of the legal whip. There are great cost/risk benefits too. Here are movers and shakers to make a real difference.
Don’t forget enterprise. More working disabled people are self-employed and running their own businesses than others. If we want a national economy with growth, productivity and entrepreneurship, we can’t afford not to make the most of this talent pool. But where’s the strategy, the plan, the ambition?
If you want real change, please tell your MP and share with anyone/everyone else. Speak up NOW!
Don’t wait for my book about all of this. Another previewer said, “…I hate statistics with a passion, but I could not put it down!” and no money passed hands!