A memorandum of understanding between the government and employers' associations was signed this morning in Castille. The aim of this agreement is to help implement a law which obliges companies to employ persons with disability at their place of work.

The MOU was signed between the government, The Chamber of Commerce and the Malta Employers Association.  The law was originally presented back in 1969, and makes it compulsory for companies to have 2% of their work force made of persons with disability. But an amendment was made to enforce this law.

Speaking at the signing of this agreement, Prime Minister Joseph Muscat said that this is an extremely important day and its significance should not be underestimated. Dr Muscat said that the previous administration had started a process of integrating persons with disability into the educational system. Now, the Prime Minister explained, this government wants this integration process also in the employment sector.

He said that a statistic published today shows that the number of unemployed people has reached a new lowest record, just above 4,000.

"This has been possible by coordination between the government and the civil society," he said.

He said that today is a proof that a real change is happening and thanked MEA and the Chamber of Commerce for their collaboration.

Minister for Education and Employment Evarist Bartolo said that this is a historical moment that was only possible when the right climate was created for social justice to prosper.

Parliamentary Secretary for Persons with Disability also spoke during the MOU signing and said that this was a sign that the government is committed to champion the rights for persons with disability.

ETC Chairman Mr Clyde Caruana said that 26% of the persons with disability who are employed, have managed to find a job only in the last three years.