23 May 2007 - Minister calls for Trade Unions to have greater role in providing welfare services
Minister for Employment and Welfare Reform, Jim Murphy, today called for trade unions to play a central role in the provision of services and support to get people into work in a newly reformed Welfare State
Speaking at the TUC’s Disability Conference, Mr Murphy said that in order to achieve the most effective and efficient service, both the private and public sectors will need to take a role in providing welfare to work programmes. He stated that trade unions have much to offer in terms of experience and expertise and could provide part of the range of services offered to people trying to get back to work.
Mr Murphy also reasserted the Government’s commitment to ensuring that disabled people are not excluded from the mainstream labour market and said that trade unions should be at the heart of helping disabled people maximise the employment opportunities that exist in the UK.
Mr Murphy said:
“I want a greater role for Trade Unions in providing public services, particularly welfare. Trade unions have a successful track record in reducing workplace ill-health and accidents because they know the people they are campaigning for; their individual circumstances; and the workplace.
“DWP currently contract with a huge variety of private and voluntary sector organisations but not any trade unions. I would like to see trade unions expand their role into providing back to work advice.
“Unions represented many workers in traditional industries who went straight from work onto Incapacity Benefit. I want to explore whether unions can contract with Government to support those on benefit get back into sustained employment.
“So I invite you today. Why not use those skills to become providers of welfare to work services? The attributes you possess are invaluable.”
Mr Murphy will hold a meeting with interested unions later in the year to take forward the proposal.
Notes to editors
- Minister for Employment and Welfare Reform, Jim Murphy, spoke at the TUC Disability Conference at Congress House, Great Russell street, London, WC1B 3LS on Wednesday 23 May.
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