Workplace Report November 2014

Equality news

Independent Living Fund

Last month, the Royal Court of Justice heard a case against the closure of the Independent Living Fund (ILF). In support, a TUC-backed film – in which severely disabled people explain how the fund has helped them – is being distributed online.

The judicial review was brought by three disabled people who argue that the government has breached the public sector equality duty by failing to consult organisations and individuals over the decision to close the fund in 2015.

The ILF, which was established in 1988, helps 18,000 severely disabled people pay for the extra care they need to work, study and live independent lives. The film explains why the ILF is so crucial and how scrapping it will exclude thousands of disabled people from work, study and participating in society.

The film is available in a short edit of 3 minutes (http://vimeo.com/106278113) and full version of 9 minutes (http://vimeo.com/108900902).