The government has launched a review to consider how it can work with employers to help more autistic people realise their potential and get into work.

This important initiative will help identify barriers and develop feasible solutions for better support, career preparation, and reduced stigma. Awareness is crucial to fostering inclusive work environments.

Currently, people with autism have particularly low employment rates – fewer than three in 10 are in work. The review will, therefore, ask businesses, employment organisations, specialist support groups and autistic people to help identify the barriers they face to securing and retaining work and progressing with their careers.

It will also consider issues including:

  • How employers can identify and better support autistic staff already in their workforce
  • What more could be done to prepare autistic people effectively for beginning or returning to a career
  • What working practices or initiatives might reduce stigma and improve the productivity of autistic employees.

The review aims to develop solutions that will be acceptable to autistic people; will be effective at improving autistic people’s outcomes; and will be feasible for employers or public services to deliver.

Simultaneously to the ongoing review, the autism charity Autistica will be raising awareness of the barriers autistic people may face in terms of completing a traditional interview process. Their “Hire Different” campaign directs employers to the Autistica “Employers Guide to Neurodiversity” which has guidance on how to run inclusive interviews. They are also encouraging people to get involved in their research and their campaigns around employment.

The review will start next month, with the aim of making recommendations to the Secretary of State in September 2023. It is intended to complement the government’s national strategy for autistic children, young people and adults 2021-26, which also recognises employment as a priority.

To learn more about Austistica’s campaign, click here.

To read the government’s national strategy, click here.