Learning Disability Network London recently held an event about inclusive employment.

Our aim was to shine a light on the lack of employment opportunities for learning disabled and autistic people.

Currently 95% of people with learning disabilities do not have a job.

People with learning disabilities and autistic people, as well as supported employment experts, talked about their experiences. We held the event at the office of Brewin Dolphin in central London, who kindly loaned us their space.

Four experts – people with learning disabilities and autistic people – spoke about their experiences in the world of work. They took part in live interviews, with questions from Ciaran Willis, who is a member of LDN London’s communications team.

Sally Ishag spoke about working in customer service roles at Kensington and Chelsea Council, and at Boots. She needs some reasonable adjustments when she is working. Sally has been frustrated by how difficult it is to get a full-time job, even though she has lots of experience.

Arthur Cassagne told us about working as a barista, as part of a programme we are running with Becauze, a social enterprise. He now gives mentoring to other people at LDN London who want to be baristas.

Jay Dublin-Beeton, who is an autistic person, has faced workplaces that didn’t give her the support she needed. She talked about the style of learning that suits her, and how employers can better support autistic people at work.

Ismail Hussain has worked for 16 years at Primark in Marble Arch. He spoke about what he enjoys about his job and what he is hoping for in the future.

Sola Okusaga from Westminster Employment Service spoke to Simon Jarrett as part of a Q and A session. Sola supports young people, including people with learning disabilities, to find meaningful jobs. She talked about how employers can better meet people’s needs and create a more effective recruitment process for everyone.

Julia Green and Maurice George work at BASE (British Association for Support Employment) where they are the CEO and South-East Lead.

Julia talked about what works when it comes to supported employment, including the importance of inspiring role models and meaningful work opportunities.

Maurice told us about how businesses will benefit from the talent of people with learning disabilities. Although people with learning disabilities and autistic people take longer to learn, statistics show they are consistent and productive employees.

Our team at LDN Eats also spoke at the event. LDN Eats is a new programme we have set up, helping people with learning disabilities to learn skills and find jobs in the catering industry.

Staff members Mandy and Adele talked about how LDN Eats will work. Daniel and Valmie, two of the trainees, spoke about their experiences so far.

We have written a series of blogs to go along with the event. Read more about people we support – George, Jay and Kassra – and their perspectives on looking for a job and working.

If you would like to explore inclusive employment, we can help you find the right local service and be a friendly ear in the process. Please contact:

Mandy Crowford mcrowford@ldnlondon.org or

Luana Baptista lbaptista@ldnlondon.org