THE principal of a Hereford college says a government ministers' suggestion that some disabled workers could be paid less than the minimum wage is an "unwelcome gaffe".

Welfare Minister Lord Freud sparked concern last week when he was secretly recorded making the remarks at a Conservative Party conference fringe event.

He later issued an "unreserved" apology.

But Sheila Tallon, the principal at the Royal National College for the Blind (RNC) on Venns Lane, said the comments highlight the issues those with a disability face when looking for jobs.

"While the Welfare Reform Minister has apologised for his remarks, they reflect the stereotypes and barriers which prevent so many people with a disability from finding employment," she said.

"The gaffe is particularly unwelcome when 430,000 people with disabilities left employment last year and two thirds of working age adults with a visual impairment remain out of work.”

The RNC provides training to people with disabilities, helping them get ‘work ready’ and supporting them towards finding paid employment.

This year alone, 100 per cent of trainees on the college's Audio Media Production course found work on completion of their course, while those studying massage and complementary therapies have told tutors their visual impairment can provide an edge over fellow job applicants.

This particularly applies to clients who are body conscious, such as those with a skin condition or physical abnormality.

The Labour Party says it wants to force a House of Commons vote on the future of Lord Freud.

During the recording, Lord Freud suggested he was going to consider whether "there is something we can do" to reduce the pay for some people with disabilities.

He later clarified his position, saying: "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."