The Undiscovered Workforce

The National Autistic Society have launched a new campaign 'The Undiscovered Workforce'...

We believe that everyone with autism should have as full and independent a life as possible. That’s why our new campaign, The undiscovered workforce, is about supporting people with autism (including Asperger syndrome) into sustainable employment. 
 
The campaign asks MPs to take the lead in creating employment opportunities for their constituents with autism, by bringing together local employers, people with autism, the local authority and other services in the community. The aim is to raise awareness of the difficulties facing people with autism who are looking for work and to ensure there is specialist support available for employers, as well as employees, to help people with autism succeed in the workplace.

Our research shows only 15% of people with autism are in full-time employment and 9% are in part-time employment, while 79% of people with autism on out-of-work benefits say they would like to work, with the right support. What's more, 26% of graduates with autism are unemployed; around twice the proportion of any other disability group, according to the Association of Graduate Careers Advisory Services.

The undiscovered workforce already has the backing of Lord Freud, Minister for Welfare Reform; Stephen Timms MP, Shadow Employment Minister; and the British Chambers of Commerce, as well as local MPs. 

To find out more, and to download resources, please visit their website.