To ask the Minister for the Economy how he is working with the Minister for Communities to create sustainable jobs for people with disabilities and to support employers to provide those jobs.

Whilst the Department for Communities (DfC) has policy responsibility for employment, my department has a significant contribution to make through our skills and education remit.

DfC is currently developing a Disability and Work Strategy which will aim to improve employment outcomes for disabled people and people with health conditions. The scope of the Strategy includes those who are not currently active in the labour market, those who are already in work, and young disabled people aged 14-19 who will transition out of educational settings.

Since 2021, my officials have been working closely with their DfC colleagues in the development of the draft Strategy, to ensure that Department for the Economy commitments and contributions are reflected.

My department also works with DfC to support individuals into employment through the Labour Market Partnerships, where officials from my Skills team and Careers Service are represented.

Improving support for young people with Special Educational Needs (SEN) is a priority in my Business Plan and the Executive’s draft Programme for Government. I have tasked my officials with scoping the existing provision and providing me with options to improve access and outcomes for our young people with SEN.

My department, along with the departments for Education, Health, and Communities has submitted a bid to the Interim Transformation Fund, aimed at strengthening skills and training provision and support for young people with SEN.

My department also funds the Labour Relations Agency which provides an advice, guidance and early conciliation service for employers and their employees. This includes an employment document toolkit resource to assist employers in the drafting of workplace policies.