Government Report Accuses Charities And Public Sector Of Exploiting Disabled Workers

Many employers are paying workers with learning disabilities less than the minimum wage, according to a report. A “worrying” number of employers – especially local authorities and those in the voluntary sector – are defying National Minimum Wage (NMW) rules by under-paying staff with learning disabilities.

The report, by the Department of Health and the Department for Work and Pensions, warned that organisations faced the threat of costly employment tribunals if they failed to apply the NMW.

“The working group is concerned about the worrying number of learning disability employment providers that appear to be in breach of the National Minimum Wage,” the report said.

The government working group on learning difficulties and employment said local authorities needed to work more closely with JobCentre Plus to help more people with learning difficulties find work.