22nd December 2004
UnumProvident recently supported a seminar organised by the Social Market Foundation at which Minister for Work, Jane Kennedy MP outlined her vision on Incapacity reform and the way forward for doctors, employers and Government to help sick and disabled people back into work.
Joanne Hindle, UnumProvident Corporate Services Director opened the seminar by saying:
UnumProvident has a real and genuine commitment in the area of disability and employment which is demonstrated by our involvement in New Beginnings; a coalition of private, employer/employee organizations and disabled group who believe that placing and keeping disabled people in productive employment is key for a modern dynamic economy.
Despite being closer to full employment, than at any time for a generation, 2.7 million people are claming incapacity benefit, who on the face of it, might be said to be unable to work. By bringing together the best practice of employers, in managing health and sickness absence, the medical profession, in terms of early relevant intervention, and the Government in supporting people on benefits back to work, many will in fact be able to re-enter the job market.
ENDS