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Disabled People, Employment and Social Justice

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  12 January 2005

Patricia Thornton
Affiliation:
Social Policy Research Unit, University of York E-mail: pat3@york.ac.uk

Abstract

Since it came to power in 1997 the Labour Government has conceived of low levels labour market participation by disabled people as not just an economic concern but also an indicator of social exclusion or social injustice. This article presents some evidence about inequalities between disabled and non-disabled people in the labour market; reviews the evidence on discrimination in employment and discusses the potential of anti-discrimination legislation as a tool to reduce social injustice; discusses sources of social justice in the benefits system; and considers whether people in receipt of Incapacity Benefits should be expected to seek work. It concludes that rights and responsibilities are unjustly distributed between government and disabled people.

Type
Themed Section on Disabled People and Social Justice
Copyright
© Cambridge University Press 2005

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