Sign Language

Work and Pensions written question – answered at on 15 April 2013.

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Photo of William Bain William Bain Shadow Minister (Scotland)

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions whether his Department plans to bring forward proposals to give statutory protection to British Sign Language (BSL) and to take steps to remove barriers to communication by BSL users in the provision of services, training and employment.

Photo of Esther McVey Esther McVey The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Work and Pensions

Good accessible services are the best ways to remove or overcome the barriers deaf people face. Existing equality legislation already means employers, service providers and public bodies have to provide services in BSL when it is reasonable to do so and we have no plans to introduce new legislation.

The Government supports those wishing to learn BSL and therefore extend the pool of BSL interpreters. That is why we provide funds for the training of BSL interpreters. The Government also fully funds BSL training where it is needed to help unemployed people find work.

Through Access to Work, funding pays for BSL Interpreters in the workplace, or at work-related meetings and conferences.

Does this answer the above question?

Yes0 people think so

No7 people think not

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