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Disabled people are being left high and dry – but trade unions can help
HELEN O’CONNOR shines a light on how companies are blatantly disregarding equalities legislation – and asks how trade unionists can apply pressure to make sure disabled workers are treated fairly

MANY would agree that meaningful work can make a positive difference to the lives of some disabled people. 

Work can break down barriers of loneliness and isolation and a supportive working environment can increase feelings of self-worth and self-confidence for anyone in society. 

Unfortunately, the drive to push everyone, including disabled people, back into work has coincided with the closure of many of the sheltered work schemes that provided support to disabled people who choose to return to work. 

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