Talkback Tackles Autism and Employment
Join us on the 5th May 2023, at 9am until 1pm in Milton Keynes
We would like to talk to people from small and large organisations to find out what barriers they face in hiring autistic people
There are around 700,000 people on the autism spectrum in the UK. That is more than 1 in 100. If you include families, autism is part of daily life for 2.8 million people. Just, 1 in 5 of autistic adults in the UK are in any form of paid employment (ONS report 2021). And 1 in 5 employees admit they are less likely to hire disabled candidates.
We're asking what can we do to change this
We are not looking to blame but to have an honest conversation. All businesses have a legal obligation to ensure they follow an equal opportunities policy. However, in reality, this may not be as simple as it sounds. We would like to hear what your perceptions are of employing autistic people. We understand it’s not easy and that organisations often have multiple questions they need to ask. These include:
- Do you have concerns over logistics, access to the office, environmental concerns such as noise and lights?
- Do you worry about the the social aspect of how an autistic person will integrate into a team?
- Do you worry about increased sick leave or low attendance?
- Do you generally find it difficult or embarrassing to question a prospective candidate to talk to them about their specific requirements and then how to communicate to the rest of the team about this person’s specific needs?
- Is your understanding about autism limited?
- Would your business be keen to employ autistic people but need support on how to manage their needs within your organisation?
All these elements could provide a barrier or a subconscious reason to not even accept an autistic person to an interview.
Our conference aims to provide a space where we can talk honestly about the issues organisations face in employing autistic people
We will have speakers from the DWP and businesses talking about their experience. As well as providing practical advice on how they have overcome some of the problems outlined above. And the difference it has made to them and the organisation in general.Â
We will also feature our members on how they have found employment, what they experienced along the way and the difference being able to have a job has made to them. This conference will also provide information on how Talkback can work with you to not only identify suitable candidates for your organisation but also as support, to help any successful candidates settle into a working life with you.
Because, from our experience it’s not only our members that benefit from being employed but also the organisations who benefit from employing them.
Register for the conference
The conference starts at 9am and will run until 1pm. It will be held at:
Christ The Cornerstone Church
330 Saxon Gate West
Central Milton Keynes
MK9 2ES
If you’d like to join us, then just follow the link below to our Eventbrite page.
