Autism employment review

The government has announced a review of the barriers preventing people with autism from gaining and staying in work.

Led by Conservative MP Robert Buckland, chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Autism, the review will look at how employers identify and support autistic workers, how they can reduce stigma and what can be done to prepare autistic people for the workplace.

It will also examine the benefits of a neurodiverse workforce and how to help other neurodiverse workers such as those with ADHD, dyslexia and dyspraxia.

Fewer than 30% of autistic adults in the UK are in employment, according to the Department of Work and Pensions, and the review will make recommendations in autumn 2023 on how to close this employment gap.

Tom Pursglove, minister for disabled people, health and work, said the barriers facing autistic people are “often down to the employers themselves not having the tools” to support them.

“This important review will provide us with vital information to remove these barriers and help more autistic people start, stay and succeed in work by ensuring more employers provide truly inclusive places to work,” he said.