Basingstoke MP Maria Miller supports Learning Disability Work week. People with a learning disability face significant barriers when seeking employment. Even before the pandemic only 6% of those known to their local authority were in paid employment in 2018/19.
Maria commented; “This is something I believe we can change and is the reason why I am supporting Learning Disability Work Week (9-15 November).
“The pandemic has highlighted the invaluable contribution people with a learning disability make across our economy. Many are the keyworkers we’ve all relied on. They have kept our logistics sector moving, kept our supermarket shelves stocked, and supported the NHS. Society often views people with a learning disability and autism as a vulnerable group yet, with the right support, it’s clear just how much they can achieve.”
“It is also clear that employees with a learning disability have a beneficial impact on businesses. A Mencap report showed that people with a learning disability stay in their roles 3.5 times longer than their non-disabled co-workers and that over 70% of employers surveyed regarded the impact on company morale as an important factor in deciding to employ people with a learning disability. These are just some of the reasons I launched the Basingstoke Inclusion Zone five years ago which signposts businesses who have signed up to employing people with learning disabilities. ”
Despite this, there remains a significant risk of ever widening inequalities. This year’s Learning Disability Work Week is asking employers to think differently and to open up opportunities to hire more people with a learning disability.
“I hope businesses in Basingstoke will join me in supporting the week and pledge to do more to make future opportunities available to people with a learning disability. If you want to find out more and see what support is available, Mencap’s website is a good place to start (https://www.mencap.org.uk/get-involved/learning-disability-week-2020).I know that together we can help provide greater opportunities for people with a learning disability.”