
A new review designed to boost the employment prospects of autistic people has been launched by the Government, led by former Justice Secretary Robert Buckland.
The review will consider how the Government can work with employers to help more autistic people realise their potential and get into work. Current employment rates for autistic people are lower than three in 10.
The Review, backed by national charity Autistica, will ask businesses, employment organisations, specialist support groups and autistic people to help identify the barriers to securing and retaining work and progressing with their careers.
The Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work, Tom Pursglove MP said:
“We know autistic people can face barriers moving into employment and staying there. This is often down to the employers themselves not having the tools to support autistic people, or truly understanding the value of a neurodiverse workforce.
“This important review will provide us with vital information to remove these barriers and help more autistic people start, stay and succeed in work by ensuring more employers provide truly inclusive places to work. I look forward to seeing the recommendations from the review.”
Rt Hon Sir Robert Buckland KC MP said:
“I am delighted to have been asked to lead this important Review. Our workplaces and businesses would benefit so much from the huge potential that autistic people represent.
“If we close the employment gap for autistic people, it will not just mean individual fulfilment but a significant boost to employment and productivity for our country.”
The Buckland Review of Autism Employment will consider issues including:
- how employers identify and better support autistic staff already in their workforce;
- what more could be done to prepare autistic people effectively for beginning or returning to a career;
- and working practices or initiatives to reduce stigma and improve the productivity of autistic employees.
It will focus specifically on autistic people, and aim to develop solutions that:
- will be acceptable to autistic people.
- will be effective at improving autistic people’s outcomes.
- will be feasible for employers or public services to deliver.
Dr James Cusack, Chief Executive of the UK autism research and campaigning charity, Autistica said:
“The benefits for autistic people and society will be huge if we can give autistic people the opportunity to work and thrive in employment. That’s why as a charity we want to see a doubling of the employment rate for autistic people by 2030.
“We are delighted to support the government on this vital review which will enable us to move from awareness to evidence-based action. This will help us to rethink how we approach autistic people’s access to work and perhaps drive a wider rethink around how we accommodate everyone in work, as we all think differently with unique strengths, challenges and needs.”