DWP in talks over support for autistic and dyslexic workers

Summarised from KentLive's report · Updated 9 Oct, 11:31 · Archive

The Department for Work and Pensions is discussing proposals to help more autistic people and those with other neurodivergent conditions into employment.

The Department for Work and Pensions is holding discussions about a major push to get more neurodivergent people into work, following publication of a report by the Expert Academic Panel on Neurodiversity. The panel's recommendations cover people with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia and other neurodivergent conditions. Currently, two-thirds of autistic people in the UK are out of work.

The report calls for 'support that responds to individual strengths and challenges, based on need rather than diagnosis'. It urges the government to redesign workplaces so they are inclusive from the beginning rather than adjusted afterwards, and to strengthen existing disability employment policy. The report argues that supporting neurodivergent workers benefits both individuals and the taxpayer by easing pressure on health and welfare systems whilst driving economic growth.

Experts examining the DWP's response have raised concerns about what the government actually plans to do to implement the recommendations.

Read the report

• DWP in talks over autism and dyslexia help - full list of proposals as work plan questionedThe Department for Work and Pensions is in talks over a major new drive to get more neurodivergent people into workKentLive · 9 Oct, 07:14

In this story: Department for Work and Pensions · Expert Academic Panel on Neurodiversity · Andy Burnham · United Kingdom

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