Less than 5% of people with a learning disability in the UK are in employment. However, 60% say they would like to work.
Having a job can bring increased independence, confidence and social skills as well as, of course, an income. But of those who are working, adults with a learning disability receive on average 30% lower pay.
Work-Able, our new employment campaign, will target employers, legislators and local authorities to raise awareness of benefits of employing more people with a learning disability, promote the steps they can take to make sure more people who want to work are able to do so, and make sure people with a learning disability are treated fairly and equally once in the workforce.
Underpinned by a new Grace Eyre Employment Strategy running to 2029 and led by the Grace Eyre Ambassadors, Work-Able will:
- Target and liaise with employers, to raise awareness of the value of employing people with a learning disability
- Educate and influence employers to have the tools and confidence in employing a diverse and unique workforce
- Call for fair wages, equal recognition and high working standards for people with a learning disability, with accessible technology and environments
- Support people to gain the skills needed to access the workplace
- Demand commitment from local government to increase the number of people with a learning disability in work
Look out for more information on this exciting new campaign coming very soon.
Tell us your story
In the meantime, whether you are an employer, an employee, someone who has struggled to find work, or anyone else who would like to get involved, we want to hear from you. Please share your stories via our online form:
Any questions?
If you have any questions about the campaign, contact Cleo Dibb at cdibb@grace-eyre.org.
You can also read more about employability and skills at Grace Eyre here.