Autistic jobseekers are facing barriers in the workplace due to ambiguous interview questions and application forms, a recent report has found. One individual interviewed by the BBC suggested that having more tick-box options on applications could improve their chances of landing an interview.
The government is urging employers to support the recommendations outlined in Sir Robert Buckland’s report on autism in the workplace. Autism, a developmental disability that impacts how individuals perceive the world and interact with others, affects approximately one million people in the UK.
Adam Murphy, a former full-time carer now seeking employment, has faced challenges due to difficulties filling out application forms. He highlights the need for adjustments such as tick-box options in applications and receiving interview questions in advance to accommodate autistic individuals.
The Buckland review emphasizes the potential productivity of autistic staff in certain roles and offers recommendations for businesses and government to collaborate over the next five years. These recommendations include signing up for an employers’ index for neurodiversity, providing career-progression training for autistic staff, and ensuring careers advisers can offer appropriate advice to autistic jobseekers.
While the Equality Act 2010 protects disabled individuals from discrimination in the workplace and requires reasonable adjustments to be made, some businesses are already creating inclusive environments for autistic employees. Cafe Track in Northampton, for example, has supported over 120 autistic individuals in gaining employment since opening in 2019.
Thomas Cliffe, who established Cafe Track, emphasizes the importance of businesses supporting autistic individuals not just as a moral decision but as a smart business choice. Similarly, CubeLynx in London employs mainly autistic staff and provides reasonable adjustments to ensure they feel safe and valued in the workplace.
Dr. James Cusack, CEO of research charity Autistica, emphasizes the need for employers to adapt their recruitment and support practices to accommodate neurodiverse individuals. He notes that making changes to benefit all employees, including autistic individuals, is vital for creating an inclusive workplace culture.
The Buckland review, supported by Work and Pensions Secretary Mel Stride, offers practical steps to make workplaces more accessible to autistic individuals. It calls for collaboration between businesses and government to bring about the necessary cultural change.
If you have been affected by the issues raised in this story, you can share your experiences by contacting haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk. Your input is valuable in raising awareness and promoting inclusivity in the workplace.