Swindon MP praised by cross-party MPs for his work on the Disability Confident campaign

Justin Tomlinson, the Conservative MP for North Swindon, was praised by cross-party MPs for his contribution to the Disability Confident campaign, especially during his time as the Minister for Disabled People.

In a speech in Westminster Hall, Justin praised the commitment of local businesses and organisations in Swindon who worked with him to employ more people with disabilities.

Disability Confident helps employers draw from the widest possible pool of talent, secure high quality staff and improve employee morale.

The campaign has helped thousands of employers challenge attitudes towards disability, increase understanding of disability, remove barriers to disabled people and those with long term health conditions, and ensure that disabled people have the opportunities to fulfil their potential and realise their aspirations.

During his time as the Minister, Justin created the idea of reverse job fairs to support the aim of the Disability Confident campaign. This was launched in 2015 in Swindon with his very own reverse Jobs Fair at Steam – which attracted 80 employers and 180 people in total.

The event saw employers, not job seekers, attending to discuss their specific recruitment needs with specialist disability work programme providers.

 

Mr Tomlinson said the Disability Confident scheme was vital in giving employers the confidence to employ people with disabilities.

“Crucially, we all want more disabled people to have an opportunity,” he said.

“Everybody gains because the employers have skills gaps. People are determined to contribute and want to work. They are enthusiastic and talented.

“Through the Disability Confident campaign, we have an opportunity to share best practice and promote it. I fully support what the government are doing.”

The reverse jobs fair was considered a huge success, and since then similar events have been organised by other MPs across the country, including the SNP’s Ronnie Cowan who also praised the concept.

During Wednesday’s debate Justin received cross-party praise for his commitment to the Disability Confident scheme and to disability rights – Shadow Minister for Disabilities and Labour MP Marsha de Cordova, acknowledged the passion which he had shown as a Minister and in debates since.