An action plan has been launched to break down the barriers which prevent disabled people from finding work.

The plan is being launched in Thurrock where it is estimated that there are as many as 7,000 disabled people but only half of them are ever likely to find either paid or voluntary work.

Organisations such as the Employment Service, the Council for Voluntary Services and Thurrock Disability Network have thrown their support behind the action plan being launched by Thurrock Council. They hope it will boost these figures to a more acceptable level.

The plan will be instigated over the next few years and involves:

Developing an effective employment advisory service for disabled people

Promoting opportunities for work from home

Publicising support which is available locally

Promoting equal opportunities

Raising awareness of work-related courses.

Graham Timms, the council's cabinet member with responsibility for health and social services, said: "The plan builds on the excellent work already carried out by the Welfare To Work project team. I'm eager to ensure that local services are sensitive to the needs of disabled people in our community.

Published Thursday November 29, 2001