Hello all,

I attended the APPG on Disability on Monday last (27th October 2008) the day the Employment & Support Allowance also came into effect.

It was also a chance to meet the new minister for Disabled - Mr. Jonathan Shaw, MP.

The meeting went well with many issues raised for the minister to take away with him. Retention, Disability Discrimination Act and the work place, Independent Living and "right to control" were all covered in relation to the ESA.

The minister did make it his priority to deal with "Fluctuating Conditions" and the issues raised for those seeking to enter the workplace with variable health.

I had the oppourtunity to introduce myself to the minister and mention not only his recent appearance in the House on the issues of HIV/AIDS & benefits but also the issues with the ESA. Although the conversation was brief I mentioned I would be writing to him to detail our issues. I am currently awaiting a response.

The meeting also gave an oppourtunity to meet with members of the Disability Benefits Consortium. It won't surprise you that recent ill health aside, I have sought to become more involved with this group to ensure those with HIV have a voice.  I learned that the National Aids Trust are now members which is good news for our community.  You can read the NAT response to the ESA by clicking here.

For us the issues are not new but we are pleased more of our national organisations are starting to raise this issues also, on our behalf.