Bath MP backs programme to help disabled school leavers get into work

20 December 2021

Bath MP Wera Hobhouse backs the introduction of a disability-inclusive successor to the Kickstart scheme which created jobs for 16-24 year olds on Universal Credit. A report by charity Leonard Cheshire finding that disabled people’s employment is still being negatively impacted by the pandemic.

In Bath and North East Somerset a project called Project SEARCH helps young people with physical and learning disabilities to develop the skills that they need when they want to access the employment market.

Commenting after the debate, Bath MP Wera Hobhouse said:

“I commend the project in Bath which does so much to help young disabled people. However, too many disabled people across the UK struggle to access employment after leaving school as they lose the support they receive. All children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities should be prepared for adulthood and need adequate support after they leave school.

“At the moment, many disabled people across the country face a cliff-edge after they leave school. The pandemic has also had a huge impact on disabled school leavers and their ability to find work. My heart goes out to them and their families and I will continue to stand up for them in Parliament. I hope that the Government supports a successor programme to Kickstart that is tailored to disabled young people.”