The Scottish Parliament must use Article 19 of the EU Directive to create jobs for disabled people says Community Union. Community Union, incorporating the National League for the Blind and Disabled, launched a campaign for the Scottish Executive to appoint an Article 19 champion.

The launch, in the Garden lobby of the Scottish Parliament, was attended by a number of MSPs who have pledged their support for the campaign.

The Community campaign ‘Breaking Down Barriers’ is calling for the Scottish Government to appoint a dedicated Article 19 Champion to work with officials involved in public procurement in Scotland. Article 19 of the European Union procurement directive allows public sector contracts to be reserved for workplaces where more than 50% of employees are disabled. By directing contracts towards supported employment an Article 19 champion could help create jobs for disabled people.

Community Union Regional Director Heather Meldrum said:

‘The local council in this area will spend millions of pounds, let alone the billions spent by the Scottish Government and other public sector organisations on new beds for hospital, desks for school and offices and kitchens for homes – all work that is made in a cost effective way by disabled people in supported workplaces all around Scotland.

'The EU has recognised the importance of supporting disabled people into the workplace through this directive and we are calling on the Scottish Parliament to appoint an Article 19 champion to advocate for disabled workers.’

Community Union National Executive Council Member Robert Mooney said:

‘As a visually impaired worker myself, I understand how important it is to overcome my disability and be a part of the workforce. For many Blind and Disabled people, supported employment provides not just a wage, but a social network of friends and colleagues that is invaluable.

The Executive should appoint an Article 19 champion, not just because it is an economic good, but because it is also a social good.‘