Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Autism: Workplace Accessibility

Monday 5 February 2024 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Barry Sheerman inquired about steps taken to help ensure workplaces are accessible for autistic people.
  • The government established the Buckland review in April 2023 to investigate employment barriers for autistic individuals.
  • Sheerman urged the Minister to push for progress on the Buckland review and to remind jobcentres of the talents of autistic people and the need for minor workplace adjustments.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Barry Sheerman Lab
Employment Mental Health
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.

Question

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.

Answer from 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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific progress of the Buckland review was not detailed.

How: He Will Have To Be A Little More Patient About The Buckland Review Report Coming Out, But It Will Not Be Long.

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Q2 Barry Sheerman Lab
Employment Benefits & Welfare
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.

Question

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?

Answer from 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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific progress of the Buckland review was not detailed, only a reminder about patience.

How: He Will Have To Be A Little More Patient About The Buckland Review Report Coming Out, But It Will Not Be Long.

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How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)