Under today’s reforms, the government says organisations will no longer be able to sit at Level 1 – “committed” – indefinitely.
Membership at this level will be capped at two years, with no option to renew, to encourage employers to make progress, the government says.
Other changes include tailored support for small businesses, peer-to-peer learning, and guidance “shaped by the voices of disabled people”.
Sir Stephen Timms, Social Security and Disability Minister, said the government was “determined to see more disabled people in work” and that overall employment figures would be the “acid test”.
He described the scheme as having “enormous potential” but acknowledged that for “too long, it has not delivered enough support for disabled people, or for employers who want to recruit, retain and develop disabled people”.
“That’s why we are improving the scheme, through robust reforms to ensure a better service for all, including through greater support for SMEs and improving access to resources for employers.”