Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

People with Autism: Employment

Monday 13 May 2024 · 3 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 3 Partly answered 0 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Department for Work and Pensions is running programmes such as local supported employment, Disability Confident, and Access to Work to support autistic people into employment.
  • Minister acknowledged important initiatives by Darlington building society and other companies in the region supporting the North East Autism Society to create jobs for people with autism.
  • Hon. Member highlighted the need to value the potential of people on the autism spectrum, noting that Autistica estimates one in 70 people in the UK is autistic, but only three in 10 are currently employed.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Peter Gibson
Employment Benefits & Welfare
Context

The MP seeks information on initiatives to help individuals with autism find employment.

Question

What steps his Department is taking to support people with autism into employment?

Answer from Mims Davies

We are continuing to run programmes such as local supported employment, Disability Confident and Access to Work to support autistic people into employment. The Department for Work and Pensions will be working with stakeholders to carry forward the recommendations of the Buckland review.

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Q2 Peter Gibson
Employment Benefits & Welfare
Context

The MP highlights local initiatives by companies and the jobcentre in Darlington to support employment of individuals with autism.

Question

May I draw my hon. Friend's attention to the efforts by Darlington building society, along with other companies in the region, supporting the North East Autism Society to help create 1,000 jobs for people with autism? Can my hon. Friend highlight the work being done by the fantastic team at Darlington jobcentre, with their health and welfare roadshow this Wednesday to help people get back into work?

Answer from Mims Davies

I thank my hon. Friend for bringing to the attention of the House important initiatives going on in Darlington which have a huge impact in helping autistic people into work and tackling stigma. Once established, I am sure that the Buckland review task group will be interested to hear direct details of the work being done in his area.

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Q3 Barry Sheerman Lab
Education Employment
Context

The MP acknowledges the Buckland inquiry's positive impact but raises concerns about undervaluing autistic people's economic potential.

Question

The Minister is right that the Buckland inquiry and report are a breath of fresh air. I contributed to that inquiry as chair of the Westminster Commission on Autism. However, is it not a fact that too often people on the autism spectrum—or any spectrum—are undervalued in terms of their huge potential to do great things in our economy in many jobs? Will she look at early diagnosis, which is so important?

Answer from Mims Davies

The hon. Gentleman and the Minister for Employment are linking together on this. We have specialist SWAPs for people on the autism spectrum so that we can see their talent and ability. Autistica estimates that one in 70 people is autistic, around 1 million across the UK—but sadly just three in 10 of working-age autistic disabled people are in employment, and the Government are determined to tackle that with the review.

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