AROUND 700,000 people in the UK have autism – but only 29 per cent of autistic adults are in employment.
With World Autism Awareness day taking place on Sunday, a number of UK employers want to “move beyond awareness to acceptance” by encouraging organisations to hire staff who are on the spectrum.
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Steve Hill is Commercial Director at Auticon, a social enterprise which trains autistic IT consultants and places them with top employers.
He said: “Autistic people often have exceptional abilities when it comes to skills such as memory, attention to detail and pattern recognition, which many employers are desperate to find.
“Standardised recruitment processes aren’t geared up to get the best out of autistic people, which is why so many talented autistic adults fail to get jobs.”
Thomas Cowley works for Auticon.
The 36-year-old IT consultant from Westminster, Central London, said: “Don’t be afraid to have more openly autistic people in the workforce.
“You probably already have a few about the place doing a good job regardless.
“We’re not as rare or unusual as you think.
“We mostly just like to be given fairly clear definitions on our tasks and dislike being dragged into meetings too often.
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“Funnily enough, that may not separate us from the rest of the population that much.”
Thomas added: “Show us a little faith and we will do the same in return.”
A new study reveals a third of autistic people said they found the traditional recruitment process the most challenging part of their career.
Only 30 per cent felt comfortable disclosing their disability to HR, which means many do not get the support they need.
Moves which can help attract more autistic staff include job coaching to ensure employees are properly matched with a company and role, neurodiversity training to educate all staff and making reasonable adjustments in the working day to support staff.
Pete’s office guide
EX-TEACHER Pete Wharmby is an autism advocate.
His book Untypical: How The World Isn’t Built For Autistic People And What We Should All Do About It is a great guide.
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Here are his top tips for working with people with autism.
- Be transparent about expectations and leave nothing to be inferred. This can cover everything from break-times to deadlines, acceptable sick leave and if you need to bring cake in for your birthday.
- Many autistic people can struggle to retain verbal information. Put it in an email so we can scour it for all the relevant information.
- Make sure almost nothing comes as a surprise. If you want something doing, make sure to give plenty of notice. Hot-desking can be stressful, as autistic people prefer a nice, rigid routine.
- Many work environments are hostile to autistic people due to their increased sensory sensitivity. Discuss reasonable adjustments.
- Offer home working. This ensures autistic staff have a controlled, safe space to work from, eliminates the strains caused by commuting and removes the need for pointless, deeply stressful small talk in the corridors.
It’s ready, steady, Joe!
LAND a job in style with a position at Joe Browns.
The fashion and homes retailer is opening ten new stores across the country, creating 200 roles.
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Vacancies include customer care receptionists, buying assistants and ladieswear designers.
Peter Alecock, the firm’s chief executive, said: “The new stores will bring to life everything that is remarkable about Joe Browns in environments that are unique to us.
“They will be backed up with engaging customer service from colleagues who live and breathe the company’s ethos.”
To find out more and apply, see joebrowns.co.uk/jobs.
Delivering qualifications
SERVE up a new career with Deliveroo.
The food delivery service has partnered with vocational skills provider City & Guilds offering free online training and qualifications in hospitality, care and construction for up to 15,000 riders in the UK.
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The scheme will also see 25 riders sponsored to train and join the railway industry as track engineers.
Will Shu, CEO of Deliveroo, said: “This is about setting riders up for success, supporting their growth and giving them access to the advice and tools they need to upskill for their futures.”
See deliveroorideracademy.co.uk/anytime-learning.
