Most Disabled People Want to Work Not Go on Dole

Most Disabled People Want to Work Not Go on the Dole

Arthritis New Zealand supports the statement printed in the New Zealand Herald today from Disabled Persons Assembly policy manager Wendi Wicks that most disabled people wanted to work.

Over 25,000 New Zealanders will not work this year due to arthritis. This will cost around $1.48 billion in lost productivity in 2010.

A large majority of people living with arthritis want or need to stay in work. But common forms of arthritis like rheumatoid arthritis and gout can make it extremely difficult and painful to complete work duties.

“The proposal from the Treasury to shift 80,000 sick and disabled people on to the dole is not the answer” says Arthritis New Zealand Chief Executive, Sandra Kirby: “Shifting disabled New Zealanders from one benefit system to another is only moving the problem not solving it."

“Experience from overseas such as the European ‘Fit for Work’ programme, shows us that in order to support people with conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, to remain in work requires investment into health services to ensure early diagnosis and effective treatment.”

"This is not happening, nor is the current system providing enough support for those on the sickness, invalid's and domestic purpose benefits to find work."

"All the evidence shows that keeping people in the workforce is better for them and the community but does require investment.”

Arthritis New Zealand provides services for people with arthritis based on the proven principles of self management, which provides the potential to substantially reduce the costs of the disease as well as improving the quality of life for people with arthritis.

ENDS

© Scoop Media