Warwickshire campaigners launch DVD
A Warwickshire duo, who have spent months campaigning for employment rights for adults with learning disabilities have produced a DVD of their findings. The DVD, entitled ‘In our shoes’ is being launched on Monday 18 September at 11.00am at Bedworth Civic Hall.
Susie Pallitt from Stockingford in Nuneaton, and Serena Nordon from Warwick, both have learning disabilities and carried out an in-depth investigation into employment opportunities for adults with learning disabilities in Warwickshire.
Their report has caused a stir as high up as Downing Street and the ladies were sent invitations to the House of Commons and Lords and given gallery seats for Prime Ministers Question Time.
The duo’s research found that despite the fact most adults with learning disabilities are able and want to work, only about one in six do any paid work. And, in fact, the minimum wage is forcing adults with learning disabilities out of work instead of ensuring them a fair deal.
Serena and Susie have shared their findings with local authorities, other employment organisations and MPs. Local MP’s, Mike O’Brien is supporting their campaign and has promised to take this up with the Department of Work and Pensions.
The report is also having an impact locally and Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council are in the process of looking at their employment policies and are putting
together opportunities for job share and work placement schemes. They are also looking into their HR systems to make them easier to use.
Unfortunately Tony Blair was unable to see the ladies personally on their visit but passed on his interest in their work and expressed a wish to meet with them in the future.
Serena said, “We are pleased to see the results of our research launched in this DVD. We are hoping to return to Westminster to hand deliver a copy of the DVD to Tony Blair and take up our issues with him personally. We will continue to campaign for better employment opportunities.”