Worcester Labour has welcomed new government legislation designed to remove barriers that prevent disabled people from accessing work.
The reforms will make it easier for people with long-term health conditions to try work, increase their hours, or take on new roles without risking their financial security. Crucially, they aim to end the “all or nothing” system that has held many people back from taking that first step.
This is an issue that matters locally. In Worcester, disabled people are significantly less likely to be in employment than non-disabled residents — reflecting a national gap that Labour is now taking action to address.
A Fairer Approach to Work and Health
The new approach recognises a simple reality: people’s health and ability to work are not fixed. Instead, people need flexibility, security, and support to succeed.
Jenny Benfield, Disability Officer for Worcester Labour, said:
“Too many disabled people have been locked out of work by a system that punishes them for trying. These changes are about trust, flexibility, and giving people the confidence to take that first step into employment without fear.”
She added:
“This aligns with the work already being championed locally, including efforts to improve accessibility in the city centre and support services like ShopMobility Worcester, which enable residents to access work, shops, and community life.”
Worcester Labour says it will continue working to improve accessibility across the city — ensuring more residents can benefit from these reforms in practice.
Why This Matters
- Disabled people face a significant employment gap compared to non-disabled people
- Many are currently discouraged from working due to fear of losing vital support
- These reforms aim to remove that risk and encourage more people into work
National figures highlight the scale of the challenge:
- Disability employment gap: around 28–30 percentage points
- Employment rate:
- Disabled people: ~53%
- Non-disabled people: ~82%
Local Action in Worcester
Worcester Labour is already supporting practical improvements to accessibility, including:
- Promoting inclusive city centre access
- Supporting services like ShopMobility Worcester
- Working to ensure public spaces and services are usable for everyone
These national reforms provide a foundation — but local action will be key to making them work.
Get Involved
If you have ideas, experiences, or want to support work on accessibility in Worcester, we’d love to hear from you.
📧 jennymbenfield@gmail.com
📞 07496 641522