Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about the challenges faced by individuals with autism in finding employment.
What steps are being taken to support autistic people into work? I recently chaired an employment roundtable where individuals highlighted that a significant barrier is employer fear of making mistakes when recruiting or supporting autistic employees, leading some employers to opt out. How will the Government address this fear factor and incentivise recruitment?
The supported employment programme Connect to Work will be open throughout England and Wales by summer, including a specialist pathway for neurodivergent people. We funded ACAS to deliver masterclasses on recruiting neurodivergent people to 1,800 SME representatives this year and set up an online support with employer health and disability service.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific incentives to address employer fears were not mentioned beyond the availability of training and resources.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP highlighted a concern that employers are hesitant to hire autistic employees due to fears of making mistakes, affecting recruitment.
What steps will the Government take to address employer concerns about hiring autistic individuals and incentivise them to recruit such workers? This includes addressing the fear factor among employers and providing support to overcome these barriers.
We funded ACAS to deliver masterclasses on recruiting neurodivergent people to 1,800 SME representatives this year and set up an online support with employer health and disability service. We are considering what more we can do.
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Assessment & feedback
Concrete actions to address employer fears beyond training were not specified.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about the closure of CLASS+ service by East Sussex county council, which supported people with autism towards independent futures including employment.
Does the Minister agree that we should be expanding services to support autistic people into work instead of shutting them down? The Conservatives are closing such services in Eastbourne. What action will be taken?
I agree with the hon. Member about the importance of expanding support for autistic people into work, not shutting them down. We received an expert academic panel report on neurodiversity in the workplace last year and are considering its recommendations.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific actions beyond agreeing with expansion were not detailed.
Response accuracy