Working for a change? The same as you?
Short summary
Most people with a learning disability want to work, and the evidence shows that they get the same satisfaction from working as anyone else. Most want employment in ordinary jobs. Some people with a learning disability want to set up their own business, and could do this with support. But in Scotland it is estimated that only one adult in 20 with learning disabilities has any form of paid work.
In an equal opportunity society, if any adult wants to work, support should be provided to make this possible. This is still not happening for people with a learning disability.
People with a learning disability are often put off work because the benefits system is complicated. They don't know if they would be better off in work, and they are not sure they would get back on benefits if they lost their job.
Another problem is that lots of people don't think people with a learning disability can work - sometimes people themselves don't yet have the confidence, sometimes their families don't think they could do a real job.
Also, many professionals don't think about work at all when they are planning the future with people - and sometimes discourage people when they say they want a job.
Many employers are willing to employ people with a learning disability, but some have never been asked. Being good at employing someone with a learning disability should be part of being a good employer. Employers need advice and support to bring out the best in employees who have a learning disability.
People with a learning disability need extra help to choose, get and keep a job. At the moment, there are lots of different agencies to help people do this - but they don't work together well.
Helping people with a learning disability to choose, get and keep work should be a mainstream co-ordinated service. Although there is quite a lot of money in the system people are often told 'we can't help you until next year'. Local authorities should agree a local strategy as part of their Community Plan.
Jobcentre Plus and Careers Scotland should make sure they meet the needs of people with a learning disability. Starting at school, people with a learning disability should be helped to think about employment prospects, and to try part-time jobs.
Local Area Co-ordinators (LACs) and care managers should be helping people think about employment. Families and support workers can also help people choose and find work.
Closer partnerships between local authorities, employers, voluntary organisations, trade unions, Department for Work and Pensions, Careers Scotland, people with a learning disability and families will help to take this strategy forward. Training and awareness-raising will be an important part of achieving a step change in employment for people with learning disabilities change.
A very clear national lead on employment for people with learning disabilities is needed from the Scottish Executive. This national leadership needs to profoundly influence the culture of ordinary employers throughout Scotland. For this reason national leadership should come from the Department of Transport, Enterprise and Life Long Learning.