The UK Government should extend education health and care plans (EHCPs) to provide a legal duty to support autistic young people in work.
EHCPs would then become employment health and care plans.
Jolanta Lasota, chief executive of Ambitious about Autism, wants to see the introduction of employment health and care plans
That’s the view of charity Ambitious about Autism.
It says the idea is needed to boost the employment of autistic young people.
Legal duty
At present, EHCPs impose a legal duty to support autistic young people in school. The same responsibility should apply in the workplace, the charity says.
Jolanta Lasota is the charity’s chief executive. She said: “We believe the same is needed for the world of work, as the requirement for support does not end when a young person leaves school or college.”
19 recommendations
Her comments follow a UK Government review that made 19 recommendations to support more autistic people to start, stay and succeed in work.
The Buckland Review of Autism Employment, published on 28 February, found most autistic people want to work. However, just three in ten are in jobs due to stigma and lack of understanding.
Department for Work and Pensions figures show this compares to half of all disabled people and eight in 10 neurotypical people.
Sir Robert Buckland KC has urged the Government and employers to make his review’s recommendations a reality
Views of hundreds of employers and autistic people
The Review’s recommendations include guidance for employers on inclusive procedures, training for autistic staff, equipping career advisers to give better support, and guides for appropriate premises and furnishings.
Led by Sir Robert Buckland KC, the review was supported by the charity Autistica. It took in the views of hundreds of employers and autistic people.
Buckland, the Tory MP for South Swindon, called on the Government and employers to make his “recommendations a reality”.
Mel Stride, the Work and Pensions Secretary, said the Government would back the review with its £2.5bn back-to-work plan.
Related:
- Warning to councils to deliver therapies
- Councils warned not to delay EHC plans
- Ombudsman slams council’s behaviour
- Parents urged to fight for therapy
- Judge rules training can go on to age 26
- Councils dodge duty to specify support
- Council pushed into paying for transport
- Mum wins compensation over education
Published: 8 March 2024
