18 May 2004 - Views sought on vocational rehabilitation – to help people access, maintain or return to employment
Following the review of Employers Liability Compulsory Insurance, the Department for Work and Pensions today published its discussion paper on vocational rehabilitation, to help people overcome health or disability-related barriers they may face in returning to work.
Minister for Work Jane Kennedy announced the publication of “Developing a Framework for Vocational Rehabilitation – A Discussion Paper”, and invited stakeholders to share their thoughts and experiences on the subject.
Ms Kennedy said: “We are keen to hear from everyone who might be affected. Your views will be of immediate help as we work to develop a framework for vocational rehabilitation.
“They will also be used in the longer-term as we continue to work in partnership to help establish a new approach to rehabilitation in the UK by late summer.”
The views of the following parties would be of particular interest to the Government:
- Organisations that provide and manage the delivery of vocational rehabilitation;
- Employers and their representative bodies;
- Employees and their representative bodies;
- Insurers;
- Organisations representing people who have a health condition and individuals who have a disability; and
- Legal representatives.
The Paper describes the Department’s view on the scope of vocational rehabilitation, outlines why it is developing a framework, and also describes what this could potentially look like.
The Department views the framework as a shared process - by publishing the discussion paper today the DWP is asking for your views, regardless of whether or not you have experience of providing vocational rehabilitation.
The discussion process will last until July 12.
Notes for editors
- With some exceptions, for example government departments and agencies and local authorities, the Employers’ Liability (Compulsory Insurance) Act 1969 requires employers carrying on business in the United Kingdom to insure their liability to their employees for bodily injury or disease sustained in the course of their employment in Great Britain. There is currently a penalty of up to £2,500 for failure to insure on any day.
- The Department published its second stage and final report of the review of ELCI on 4 December 2003. In the report the Department undertook to produce and publish a Framework for Vocational Rehabilitation in the late summer of 2004.
- The Framework will:
- Demonstrate the Government’s commitment to provide leadership on vocational rehabilitation;
- Be the first step towards a better understanding, and improving practice, of vocational rehabilitation; and
- Provide longer-term help to establish a new approach to rehabilitation in the UK.
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