Deaf News: Malcolm Bruce raises Access to Work petition with Minister

Sir Malcolm Bruce MP raised the issue of changes to Access to Work for deaf people with the Minister for Disabled People, Mike Penning MP.

We understand that the conversation last week was brief but specifically about the 38 Degrees petition that has amassed over 3,700 signatories and was addressed to Sir Malcolm.

The petition calls for a stop to changes being made to Access to Work, a benefit that provides support to deaf or disabled people in employment. The changes mean that rather than use freelance or agency communication support, companies that employ deaf people will also be forced to employ communication support professionals as salaried members of staff.

Sir Malcolm was unavailable for comment because he is now in Burma as part of his role as Chairman of the International Development Committee, but his office confirmed that he will be following up with the Minister on his return.

Further reading:

Emily Smith, co-sponsor of the petition, talks about the campaign

Jen Dodds on why the names don’t matter