March 2020
Dear Constituent,
Thank you for contacting me about hearing loss. Your concerns have been read and noted.
I believe it should be a priority to help people with hearing loss into work, and ensure they have the correct support while working. I am proud that 70 per cent of people whose main long term health condition is a difficulty in hearing are now in work, with their unemployment rate almost halving since 2012. With the overall employment rate at around 75 per cent, more needs to be done.
I understand that Ministers met with Action on Hearing Loss, and such meetings have led to work strengthening the processes for booking British Sign Language interpreters, and a joint review of deaf awareness material for health professionals carrying out assessments.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me regarding this important issue.
With best wishes.
Kind regards,
Jonathan Lord
Member of Parliament for Woking