AN MP from the North-East has given her backing to a bill to protect the jobs of the disabled.

The bill calls for the introduction of rehabilitation leave. This would be available to anyone who finds themselves newly disabled, or experiences a change in their disability.

Rehabilitation leave would give people time away from work to learn new working methods, receive rehabilitation, training, and other support.

While the person was on leave, it would give employers time to introduce any adaptations to equipment and the workplace that would be needed for the employee.

The MP for Stockton South, Dari Taylor, has backed the bill, which was first introduced to Parliament on Wednesday.

Mrs Taylor said: "It is a traumatic experience for someone in work to become disabled, or experience a serious change in an existing disability that affects his or her ability to carry on working.

"Having worked with Stockton Blind People's Voice in their efforts to help blind people into work, I am well aware of the difficulties facing disabled people."

She added: "The Government is helping unemployed people with disabilities to enter employment through its pioneering Pathways to Work programmes and also through the important Access to Work scheme that helps employers with any extra costs of employing a disabled person.

"These proposals would extend this support and commitment to helping disabled people in work to keep their jobs.

"This would benefit them, their employer and society as a whole."