With over 1.4 million job vacancies in the UK, DFN Project SEARCH are calling on employers across all local authorities to implement more inclusive employment practices for the thousands of people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) who are currently seeking employment.
There are more than 900,000 people with SEND who are of working age, yet research shows that just 5% are in employment. This is despite 86% of people with learning disabilities wanting to work.
DFN Project SEARCH’s new campaign #Don’tStopMeNow aims to challenge the stereotype that people with learning disabilities don’t want to work and encourage employers to utilise the untapped potential of this willing and able group of workers.
The campaign calls for more inclusive hiring practices and access to high-quality supported employment programmes, such as Supported Internships, in every local authority.
Supported internships are structured, work-based study programmes for 16 to 24-year-olds with SEND, who have an education, health and care plan (EHCP). The young person is enrolled and supported by a learning provider but spends most of their time in the workplace, gaining experience and skills they can take onto future employment ventures.
DFN Project SEARCH has a long history of helping people with SEND into employment, with 60% of those who graduate from a supported internship going on to secure full time employment.
Supported internships can have a profound impact on young people’s lives, as Jacob, who has a learning disability and is now working as a facilities assistant at Kendray Hospital, explains: “Getting a proper job has been life-changing for me, my mum and my dad. Looking for work can be a really bumpy road to start with and getting the support from my supported internship made a massive difference. When I got my confidence up, started talking to people, learnt how to complete tasks to a high standard, I realised I could get employed, everything changed for me.”
The charity also wants to see more conversations around employment for young people with SEND. New research conducted by Opinium on behalf of the charity has found that young people with SEND are rarely asked by teachers or friends about their career aspirations.
Comparatively, nine out of 10 parents of young people without a learning disability are ‘regularly’ having conversations about careers, and 54% of parents of 16–18 year-olds are ‘often’ asked about their child’s future job plans.
DFN Project SEARCH says this is particularly concerning given the mental and physical health issues associated with long-term unemployment, including loneliness and isolation.
Claire Cookson, Chief Executive of DFN Project SEARCH, said: “There has been great progress in recent years around workplace inclusivity and equitable hiring practices. But the disparity in the national polling and the stories we hear from parents we work with show that there is still a long way to go when it comes to meeting the career aspirations for young people with SEND.
“If these brilliant young people gain the right support into employment and independence, it is not just a personal victory, it enriches their families, helps businesses and the economy and strengthens community ties. Today, we want to say to education providers, local authorities, policy-makers and employers – don’t stop them now, give them a boost to success.”
