LIZ CALLS FOR GREATER SUPPORT AND PROSPECTS FOR PEOPLE WITH DOWN'S SYNDROME

7.00.25pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 4th Jun 2007

Local Liberal Democrat Euro-MP for the West Midlands, Liz Lynne, has called for the government and employers to work towards ensuring greater employment prospects for individuals with Down's syndrome.

Liz, who is Vice-President of the European Parliament's All-Party Disability Group as well as Vice-President of the Employment and Social Affairs Committee, speaking today at the start of Down's Syndrome Awareness Week, said:

"It is shocking that just 16% of adults with Down's syndrome are currently employed, clearly more needs to be done to ensure that many more of these able people can find employment."

"With support from the right authorities, employers can learn how to successfully employ people with Down's so they can make a full contribution to the workforce."

"The EU's Employment Directive has provided laws to ensure people with disabilities cannot be discriminated against in the workplace and employers must reasonably accommodate the needs of disabled people. We must ensure this is effectively implemented."

Organisations such as the Down's Syndrome Association (DSA) in the UK and its European counterpart, EDSA, organise regular events to raise awareness and also provide employers with in order to support people with the condition.

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