The language of economics can be dangerous

A British government minister was using the language of economics when he said that disabled people may "not be worth" the minimum wage.  This was taken as a moral judgment but it was a perfectly orthodox statement in economics.  He was simply pointing out that what was produced by disabled people (in sheltered workshops etc.) may not sell for enough money to pay the minimum wage.  In those circumstances disabled people could be locked out of employment completely. Allowing a smaller minimum wage for disabled people, however, could keep them in work.  It was a compassionate argument but was grievously misunderstood so he had to grovel

Lord Freud said he was “foolish” to suggest that disabled people should not be entitled to the minimum wage and admitted that his comments could be seen as “offensive”.

The welfare minister offered a “full and unreserved apology” but stopped short of resigning after suggesting people with disabilities are not "worth" the minimum wage of £6.50 an hour.

It comes after David Cameron slapped down his welfare minister for the comments at Prime Minister’s Questions this afternoon.

Lord Freud said: "I would like to offer a full and unreserved apology. I was foolish to accept the premise of the question. To be clear, all disabled people should be paid at least the minimum wage, without exception, and I accept that it is offensive to suggest anything else.

"I care passionately about disabled people. I am proud to have played a full part in a government that is fully committed to helping disabled people overcome the many barriers they face in finding employment.

He added: "I am profoundly sorry for any offence I have caused to any disabled people."

SOURCE