Disabled people are entitled to equal pay, says TUC

Responding to comments made at the Conservative Party Conference by Welfare Reform Minister Lord Freud – which were revealed today (Wednesday) during Prime Minister’s Questions – TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said:

“Wherever they work and whoever they work for, disabled people are entitled to equal pay.

“Instead of opening the door to pay discrimination and extreme poverty, the government should recognise that disabled people need a pay rise just like the rest of Britain.”

NOTES TO EDITORS:

- In reply to a question at a party conference fringe event from a Conservative councillor about the minimum wage and disabled people, Lord Freud said: "Now, there is a small…there is a group, and I know exactly who you mean, where actually as you say they’re not worth the full wage and actually I’m going to go and think about that particular issue, whether there is something we can do nationally, and without distorting the whole thing, which actually if someone wants to work for £2 an hour."

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- On Saturday 18 October the TUC is organising Britain Needs a Pay Rise – a national march and rally in London to call for an economic recovery that delivers for everyone, and for fair wages to help end the living standards squeeze. For more information on the campaign go to www.tuc.org.uk/economic-issues/britain-needs-pay-rise