It also sets up the National Disability Council to advise government on discrimination against disabled people. Recent relevant trends and issues The New Deal To be introduced by the Blair Labour government this will offer people with a disability support to overcome obstacles to work. Both private and public sectors will be involved. 195 million has been set aside to finance innovative schemes proposed by private, public and voluntary sectors to test and develop new ideas. Personal Advisers also offer advice to employers looking to employ or retain members of staff.
Participation is voluntary.
Pilots began in September 1998. This credit will replace the Disability Working Allowance from October 1999, as a more potentially generous benefit. At present there is a major disincentive to work in the benefit system where people can loose as much as 40 per week benefit entitlement from taking a job. The 16 hour limit on voluntary work in Incapacity Benefits will also be lifted. The government is also introducing a one-year linking rule so that people whose jobs last less than a year can return to the same benefit rate.