On World Autism Day (Sunday 2 April), the Buckland Review of Autism Employment was announced. The Review will be chaired by Sir Robert Buckland MP and is supported by the Department of Work and Pensions and Autistica.

Ali Gunn, United Response’s Head of Policy and Public Affairs said:

“The Buckland Review’s announcement is a welcome step towards realising a more inclusive employment model. Better workplace supports are vital in recognising and retaining the immense talent autistic people bring to our national workforce.

“Yet we know that much of this talent still isn’t harnessed. It is simply unacceptable that the autism unemployment gap remains staggeringly wide, with just 29% of autistic people in work compared to 80% of non-disabled people. Despite clear targets set out in the renewed autism strategy to remove employment barriers, these figures show that many autistic people remain systemically excluded from the workforce and economically disempowered.

“Through our supported employment programmes, United Response has seen first-hand the unique skills and insights that autistic people bring. With the right supports and understanding from their colleagues and employers, autistic employees can offer fresh perspectives and innovative solutions to workplaces of all kinds.

“The Review is an excellent opportunity for us rethink how we can accommodate and mobilise autistic and neurodivergent talent in a post-COVID labour market. Yet we also echo cautions from the National Autistic Society that this Review is not an end in itself; but a crucial step forward in our journey towards closing the autistic employment gap and investing in supported employment services.”