Working for a change?
The same as you?
National Implementation Group Short-life
Working Group on Employment
Easy-Read Summary
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Contents
Who wrote this report?
What is the report about?
What are we trying to achieve?
What needs to happen to help more people with learning disabilities to get a job if they want one?
Who wrote this report?The same as you? was published in May 2000. It was warmly welcomed because people with learning disabilities were asked what they wanted. They were clear they wanted to take control of their own lives - to live the same as you.
In June 2001 the Scottish Executive set up a group to help make sure the 29 recommendations in The same as you? are implemented. This is called the The same as you? National Implementation Group - SAYIG. It includes people with learning disabilities and carers.
SAYIG decided to begin its work by looking at three priority areas. Members decided to start with the things it believed would make a big difference to people with learning disabilities. One of these was employment.
A sub-group was set up to look at what was happening in Scotland to help people get jobs. Some people were members of SAYIG. Other people were asked to join the group because of their knowledge in this area. This is their report.
What is the report about?The same as you? said local authorities should give people with learning disabilities more opportunities for work. It also said they and NHS Boards should set an example by employing more people with learning disabilities.
Most people with a learning disability want to work. Most want to work in ordinary jobs. Some people with a learning disability want to set up their own business.
In Scotland it is estimated that around 13,000 people with a learning disability want to work. It is also estimated that:
The Scottish Executive believes in an equal opportunity society. If everyone is equal, an adult who wants to work should get support to make this possible. This is still not happening for people with a learning disability. Why?
The benefits system is complicated. People don't know if they would be better off in work. They are not sure they would get back on benefits if they lost their job.
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.
Many professionals don't think about work at all when they are planning the future with people.
Many employers are willing to employ people with a learning disability, but some have never been asked. 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.
What are we trying to achieve?The group thinks a lot should change in the next 5 years. This is what they would like to see in 2008.
Every young person with a learning disability leaving school this year has had work experience in a mainstream workplace.
Each young person with a learning disability has a plan for the future. For most people that includes paid work.
Employment agencies and employers work together to provide person-centred support on and off the job.
50% of adults with a learning disability are now in paid employment. This includes people with high support needs.
Everyone in work is better off than if they were not working, even if just a little.
The Scottish Executive has established a National Centre for Support in Employment. This helps local supported employment agencies and employers.
An annual 'diversity audit' for employers encourages the employment of people with a learning disability.
The Scottish Executive, NHS, local authorities and other public agencies employ a diverse workforce. This is now becoming an everyday part of good employment practice.
Each local authority has a co-ordinated approach in its Community Plan for employment for people with learning disabilities.
Employers are confident in their ability to recruit and manage employees with a learning disability as part of their workforce.
They can get practical advice and hands-on help with any problems they can't manage themselves. They pay the going rate for the job.
Co-workers provide 'natural supports'.
People with a learning disability have an expectation of employment. They no longer have just wishes and dreams.
What needs to happen to help more people with learning disabilities to get a job if they want one?The main report sets out 10 recommendations. This is what they aim to deliver.
Better information about benefits and tax credits. People with learning disabilities and their families should know where to get information. It should be easier for people to understand what benefits they are entitled to.
Better information and advice about how employment affects benefits. People should be told if they will or won't be better off if they work. The DWP should think about improving the benefits system when people with learning disabilities have to give up their job if it does not work out.
Monitoring access to work and further education. This would encourage employers and further education colleges to think about how they include people with learning disabilities.
Support from the Scottish Executive to help employers to make business more inclusive.
A very clear national lead on employment for people with learning disabilities is needed from the Scottish Executive. This national leadership needs to influence the way ordinary employers throughout Scotland think. For this reason national leadership should come from the Department of Transport, Enterprise and Life Long Learning.
Employment should be a mainstream co-ordinated service. Local authorities should agree a local strategy as part of their Community Plan. Closer partnerships between local authorities, employers, trades unions, DWP, Careers Scotland, people with a learning disability and families will help to take this strategy forward.
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 and care managers should be helping people think about employment. Families and support workers can also help people choose and find work.
More research and development work to fill the knowledge gap. Training and awareness raising will be an important part of achieving a step change in employment for people with learning disabilities.
Practical leadership will be needed for the supported employment strategy. The Scottish Executive may wish to appoint a national development officer for the supported employment strategy, to provide this.