16 March 2007

MEDIA RELEASE FROM IHC NEW ZEALAND INC
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

IHC's reiterates its position on the repeal of the DPEPA

IHC New Zealand supports the legislation to repeal the Disabled Persons Employment Promotion (DPEP) Act, and looks forward to workers with intellectual disabilities having equal rights in the workplace.

The DPEPA allows some people to work for less than the minimum wage, without annual leave or sick leave and with no right to join a union.

For 47 years the Act has given sheltered workshops a total exemption from paying workers the minimum wage, annual leave or sick leave regardless of their individual abilities.

IHC's Director of Advocacy Trish Grant says that IHC has committed to advocating for policy and law that supports inclusion.

"The attitudes reflected in the DPEP Act are discriminatory and contravene the New Zealand Human Rights Act and international rules and conventions," says Ms Grant.

"IHC Advocacy has talked to thousands of people with intellectual disabilities and their families, and they have told us consistently that they want opportunities for real work and they want real pay for the work they do."

"The repeal of the DPEP Act is vital to realising the vision of a society that values all its citizens and encourages their full participation," says Ms Grant.

ENDS

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