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The Welfare Reform Bill is in its report stage in the House of Lords and the final amendments are being debated. Amendment 18, to ensure that staff dealing with disabled people - especially those with learning difficulties and mental health problems - have the proper competencies, was by Baroness Thomas of Winchester and in her own words: "We have tabled these amendments to acknowledge the widespread concern expressed in Committee about the competence of those in positions of authority in the offices of Jobcentre Plus and the outsourced companies."

Unfortunately the amendment was talked down by Lord McKenzie of Luton who insisted that Job Centre and Department of Work and Pensions staff are already well trained and competent in disability equality awareness and understanding mental health and learning difficulties sensitivities.

As is the usual course of things here, he persuaded the good Baroness to withdraw her amendment.

If anyone wants to try to rescue Lord McKenzie from Cloud Cuckoo Land they can trace his whereabouts by contacting the House of Lords.

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