Rhodri Glyn Thomas AM / AC
Datganiadau'r Wasg
Nid yw'r dudalen hon ar gael ar hyn o bryd
25 January 2006
Back-to-work plans harsh and insensitive - Plaid
Plaid Cymru's Assembly Member for Carmarthen East and Dinefwr Rhodri Glyn Thomas, today said that the Government's plans to cut benefits for disabled people who refuse to take part in the back-to-work programme are too harsh and insensitive.
Mr Thomas argues that participation in the programmes should be voluntary rather than compulsory.
Speaking today at The National Assembly he said:
"Whilst I am supportive of the Government's proposals to help people back to work, I also believe that it is wrong to force people to take part. The vast majority of disabled people would very much prefer to work."
He added:
"The disability rates are higher in areas such as the Amman and Gwendraeth Valleys, and this is not due to any particular wish on the claimants' part to be sick, but rather a result of industrial history and lack of employment opportunities for disabled people. If the Government's new measures of compulsion were to be implied uniformly, they will hit Wales and Scotland and the poorest parts of England much harder than the prosperous South East of England. This Government seems proud to be seen as tough on the underprivileged.
"Plaid Cymru calls on the Government to take action with employers to promote employment for disabled people. Progressive companies who have employed disabled people have found them to be keen and productive and worth while members of the workforce."
Diwedd / Ends
Notes to Editors
For further information contact Owen Hathway on 01269 597677 or 07921 146442
