Sheffield Social Enterprise Network reposted this
🔹No, Alan, we won’t fix the economy by punishing disabled people🔹 Last week, Alan Milburn gave a keynote speech that I found deeply problematic. Two key takeaways stood out: 1️⃣ Framing economically inactive people as THE main barrier to economic growth. This is a deeply flawed narrative that shifts blame onto those facing systemic barriers, rather than addressing the real structural issues in our economy. 2️⃣ A misleading use of statistics. He cited research from Barnsley claiming “seven in ten economically inactive people would like to work.” But without context, this statistic oversimplifies complex realities—health conditions, caring responsibilities, a lack of inclusive opportunities, and an employment system that often fails disabled people. I've written about this in Now Then Magazine - Opus because we need to challenge these narratives. Blaming those pushed to the margins doesn’t grow the economy—it deepens inequality. The real solutions lie in investing in inclusive employment, co-production, and systemic change that works for everyone. Have a read, share if you agree, and let’s push back against rhetoric that scapegoats rather than solves. 👉 Read the full article below. https://lnkd.in/eQw4jUFt #SocialJustice #InclusiveEconomy #DisabilityRights #SocialEnterprise #SystemChange #AlanMilburn