Additional needs staff a real asset

AS A school which specialises in the care and education of boys who require additional support for learning we were deeply disappointed by the comments from Welfare Reform Minister, Lord Freud, that some disabled ­people are “not worth” the minimum wage (News, 19 ­October).

As a school we undertake a number of work placement programmes, working with ­local companies and more recently have established our own programmes to give young people experience of the world of work.

The article highlights the ­extensive contribution those with additional support needs (ASN) bring to the workplace.

There are various recruitment incentives on offer from the Scottish Government, such as the Employer Recruitment Incentive (ERI), in order to help employers provide training and skills development opportunities for those in this group.

We would urge Scotland’s employers to look beyond the label of those with ASN, disregard the comments by Lord Freud and give our most vulnerable young people the support they deserve.

Stuart Jacob, director,