Young disabled job seekers are to be given extra support to help them make their way in the world of work as part of a new government initiative.

Through the Access to Work scheme, those on work experience placements will be provided with specially adapted equipment to help them carry out their daily tasks, as well as support workers and interpreters.

Presently the initiative only applies to disabled people in paid employment, but this extension means that those in unpaid posts will also benefit.

There are around 100,000 work experience places offered by the government every year, helping young people gain the skills they need to climb the career ladder.

This extra support means disabled youngsters will be able to take full advantage of these places. It will also help to promote better workplace inclusion. Around 5,000 young people are expected to benefit over the next three years.

“We know work experience can make all the difference for young people out there looking for work and it is just the same for a young disabled person,” said Maria Miller, minister for disabled people.

“For the first time we are giving young disabled jobseekers the support they need to gain vital experience that will help them forge successful careers for themselves in the jobs they want.”

The move has been welcomed by Disability Rights UK, which called for “strong and rapid implementation” of the plans.

It has also been announced that an extra £15 million will be invested in the Access to Work scheme to help a further 8,000 disabled people in paid employment. At the moment it is supporting more than 35,000.

Research has shown that 45 per cent of those who benefit from Access to Work funding would be out of employment if they were not taking part in the scheme.

For information on Access to Work Scheme visit: http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/DisabledPeople/Employmentsupport/WorkSchemesAndProgrammes/DG_4000347