Why this government thinks disabled people aren’t worth a salary

The government is keen to hire disabled people as ‘regional network chairs’ in its Equalities Office – but without a salary. What message does this send out to other employers, asks James Moore

Work and pensions secretary Mel Stride wants disabled people to be ‘given the right support and opportunities to move off benefits and towards the jobs market’ (PA Wire)

The latest missive from the Equalities Office has just landed in my inbox. The government is looking to recruit “disability experts” to act as “regional stakeholder network chairs” in the North West and in Yorkshire and the Humber.

Just seeing the phrase “regional stakeholder” gives me a shudder – but, we are told, this drive comes hot on the heels of the launch of the Disability Action Plan.

Now, you’re not really an expert on disability unless you are actually disabled. Sorry, but you aren’t. If you aren’t disabled, you might see the yellow ramps dotted around some of London’s Tube stations and think that means this station is accessible. You won’t understand the stress of getting staff who aren’t always very friendly to operate them for you – that is, if you can actually find anyone at a ticket office-free station.