A government review has set out 19 recommendations to support more autistic people to start, stay and succeed in work.

Government figures show only around 30 percent of working age autistic people are in employment, compared with half of all disabled people, and eight in 10 non-disabled people, despite the majority saying they would like to be employed.   

The government said a greater focus on neuro-inclusivity in the workplace could help fill vacancies by unlocking the potential of thousands more people.

Commissioned by Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Mel Stride and led by Sir Robert Buckland KC, the review’s  recommendations include:

• signing up for the Autistica Neurodiversity Employers Index to access guidance on designing inclusive processes and procedures
• encouraging career progression by developing packages of training focused on autistic staff
• improving recruitment by ensuring careers advisers can provide appropriate advice to autistic jobseekers
• supporting autistic people who are already in the workplace by producing “autism design guides” to create appropriate premises, furnishings and equipment
• working with software suppliers to develop IT systems that meet autistic people’s needs

The Buckland Review of Autism Employment was supported by charity Autistica and includes the views of hundreds of employers and autistic people.   

Sir Robert Buckland said: ”The review can make a truly radical difference to the lives of autistic people and their families. I call on employers and government to lead this change and make these recommendations a reality.”

Minister for disabled people, health and work, Mims Davies, said: “There are so many benefits and positives autistic people can bring to the workplace, and this is matched by what employment can bring to them. We must make sure they get the work opportunities they want and deserve.” 

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