A Gloucestershire MP says it is time to help more disabled people find employment and the chance of a career.

Many companies are worried that Brexit could affect the numbers of overseas workers who come to the UK to find work.

But Forest of Dean MP Mark Harper told Punchline that the UK already has a great untapped source of labour including older men who are currently not working and people with disabilities such as learning difficulties. With the right support they could be helped into employment.

"There are hundreds of thousands of people with learning disabilities who could make a real contribution and I want employers to give them an opportunity first before they resort to hiring people from outside the country," said Mr Harper who chairs the all-party Parliamentary Group for Learning Disabilities.

"I have pressed the Government to be a bit tougher on that. I am keen to do what I can to give people an opportunity."

Mr Harper praised the work of organisations like Forwards Gloucestershire, the county's first stop organisation for disability employment and Disability Employment Commissioner Vikki Walters.

"I think locally we have a very good story to tell. Employees in Gloucestershire have a really good support network to draw upon," said Mr Harper.

The MP, who previously served as Immigration Minister and Minister for Disabled People, was a keynote speaker at a Business in the Community event at Lloyds Banking Group in Barnwood last week.