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December 15, 2011

Feds Want to Help Employment

The US Department of Labor wants to set a new work standard for people with physical/mental challenges.  Government representatives also want contractors to hire employees with these challenges to be raised by a minimum of 7%. They feel this is one of the most important pieces of lawmaking for this population since the Americans with Disabilities Act was created.

In November 2011, the Department of Labor stated Americans with physical/mental challenges represented 13% of the unemployment market.  80% didn’t work entirely.  The idea will be available for public remarks until February 7.


Federal contractors and subcontractors are obligated to use the affirmative action process regarding hiring employees.  However, the law doesn’t have any clear-cut specific goals to be followed, and activists say the government’s idea would set a benchmark.


“For nearly 40 years, the rules have said that contractors simply need to make a ‘good faith’ effort to recruit and hire people with disabilities. Clearly, that’s not working,” said Patricia Shiu, who heads the Department of Labor’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs. “Our proposal would define specific goals, require real accountability and provide the clearest possible guidance for employers seeking to comply with the law.”

New plan:  http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2011/12/08/feds-boost-employment/14606/

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