To ask the Minister for the Economy to detail the (i) programmes; or (ii) actions, her Department is currently delivering or planning with employers, to encourage and promote employment of people with disabilities.

My department offers a range of practical, financial and other support to those with disabilities across the further and higher education sectors, as well as to those participating on vocational training programmes, to enable them to build the skills and qualifications needed to compete for employment opportunities at all levels. We have also been working closely with the Department for Communities (DfC) on the development of a Disability and Work Strategy which will aim to improve employment outcomes for disabled people and people with health conditions. In terms of specific programmes and actions my department is currently or planning to deliver, with employers, Breaking Barriers in education supports learners to gain qualifications and work experience to enable progression into the labour market. Working with local community-based organisations the programme provides additional support, both in skill development and overcoming barriers for those with a disability or who are neurodiverse. These career progressive programmes include supported work placements and guided learning in skills required to sustain longer term employment. We have a strong apprenticeship offering but whilst there are over 13,000 apprentices in the north, people with disabilities are currently underrepresented. I want to minimise and, where possible, remove barriers to take-up of apprenticeships by those individuals. My Department's Apprenticeship Inclusion Challenge Fund will support two dedicated disability projects with allocations of up to £100,000 per project over the next 18 months to address these inclusion gaps. Assured Skills Academies provide pre-employment training courses for individuals aged 18 and over who meet the eligibility criteria and therefore are open to people with disabilities. The training is industry-recognised and on completion of the academy a job interview is guaranteed for existing vacancies with the participating companies. My Department also delivers Skills for Life and Work, a vocational education and training programme focused primarily on Entry Level and Level 1, for young people aged 16–17 (extended age eligibility for young people with a disability and young people who are care experienced - up to 22 and up to 24 respectively) who have left school with low or no qualifications. Typically, more than half of participants present with a registered disability. To support those participants who have a disability, there is an extra training premium, additional time on programme, and the Department also currently contracts separately for Disability Support Services.