APPENDIX 39
Memorandum submitted by Disability Alliance
Merton (EDP 50)
COMMENTS MADE
BY BENEFICIARIES
OF DISABILITY
ALLIANCE MERTON
WORK PROJECT
AND MERTON
WELFARE TO
WORK STEERING
GROUP REGARDING
THE EMPLOYMENT
SERVICE AND
JOBCENTRE PLUS.
— General Advisers and Disability Employment
Advisers (DEA) vary considerably in their skills, approach and
attitude to disabled people. Some DEA's are not helpful and will
speak down to people.
— The DEA found it very difficult to
acknowledge skills and abilities of a disabled person, who is
a graduate, to find appropriate work opportunities. Their skills
were under estimated because of their disability and an inaccurate
assumption was made.
— Individual's expectations of additional
support being received and available when working with a DEA at
the Jobcentre were not fulfilled.
— The DEA was not able to offer any
additional support and had an unrealistic approach offering unsuitable
work opportunities.
— It was felt that there is a risk
of DEA's focussing on their own targets rather than meeting individuals
needs.
— It was felt that the employment service
would benefit from improved training in Disability Awareness and
developing skills in pro-active listening.
— DEA's are too office-based and would
benefit from time and opportunity to engage with the community
and employers.
— The services available at the Jobcentre
are not publicised as well as they could be. Many individuals
and employers are not aware of the services and support available.
January 2003
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