Commons Sense

Hansard-based summaries and metrics

Autism Workplace Accessibility 2024-02-05

2024-02-05

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Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Partial Answer
Barry Sheerman
▸ Context
The question arises from the need to improve employment opportunities for autistic individuals, highlighting the importance of their contributions and the existing barriers they face.
What steps he is taking to help ensure workplaces are accessible for autistic people. Autistic people have a huge amount to offer in the workforce, which is why there's a focus on breaking down barriers and ensuring inclusivity.
Mel Stride
The government set up the Buckland review in April 2023, led by Sir Robert Buckland, to investigate barriers to employment for autistic people and ensure a more inclusive workforce. The hon. Gentleman is entirely right that small changes can make big differences for these individuals.
▸ Assessment & feedback
The specific progress of the Buckland review was not detailed.
He Will Have To Be A Little More Patient About The Buckland Review Report Coming Out, But It Will Not Be Long.
Response accuracy
Q2 Partial Answer
Barry Sheerman
▸ Context
The progress on the Buckland review and specific measures to support autistic individuals in jobcentres are being questioned, highlighting the need for simple adjustments such as lighting or noise levels.
May I push the Minister on what progress has been made by the Buckland review? Will he also remind jobcentres up and down the country that people on the autism spectrum have great talents and often need only slight workplace modifications of simple things such as lighting or noise levels?
Mel Stride
The hon. Gentleman is entirely right that small changes can often make a big difference for autistic people, benefiting both them and the businesses they work in. He will have to be patient for the Buckland review report but it is coming soon. I also point him to Access to Work and Disability Confident approaches which align with his suggestions.
▸ Assessment & feedback
The specific progress of the Buckland review was not detailed, only a reminder about patience.
He Will Have To Be A Little More Patient About The Buckland Review Report Coming Out, But It Will Not Be Long.
Response accuracy