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<p> </p><p> </p><p>We do not target our employment programmes exclusively at individuals
with particular conditions such as M.E. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. The Department's
programmes, including its specialist disability employment programmes, aim to identify
and meet the needs of the individual, including those with M.E. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.</p><p>
</p><p>Access to Work provides additional support for individuals whose health or
disability affects the way they do their job. It provides individuals and their employers
with advice and support with extra costs which may arise because of an individual's
needs. Access to Work does not replace the duty an employer has under the Equality
Act 2010 to make reasonable adjustments.</p><p> </p><p>Work Choice is a specialist
disability employment programme that provides tailored support to help disabled people
who face the most complex barriers to employment, find and stay in work and ultimately
help them progress into unsupported employment, where it is appropriate for the individual.</p><p>
</p><p>Jobcentre Plus Disability Employment Advisers can provide support and advice
for disabled people who need help finding and retaining employment. They can refer
individuals to specialist programmes, including Work Choice, and can use the professional
expertise of Work Psychologists, who specialise in working with disabled people. Disability
Employment Advisers can advocate with employers on the individual's behalf and help
employers to explore job solutions such as the restructuring of a job's tasks/environment,
or the provision/change of equipment.</p><p> </p><p>The Government published ‘The
disability and health employment strategy: the discussion so far' on 17 December 2013.
This paper sets out a range of proposals to further improve our employment support
for disabled people and those with health conditions.</p><p> </p><p>The Government
recognises that getting the right support at the right time is particularly important
for disabled people and those with a health condition so as part of our vision for
future employment support we are developing a new Employment Gateway. This will be
a light-touch process based on an individual's strengths and needs and will direct
people to the most appropriate support.</p><p> </p><p>In order to support individuals
to stay in work where possible we are putting in place a new Health and Work Service
(HWS).The HWS will provide occupational health advice and support for employees, employers
and GP's to help individuals with a health condition to stay in or return to work.</p><p>
</p><p>The intention is to introduce the service by the end of 2014.</p>
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