A new employment charter to increase the opportunities for people with autism and learning disabilities to work for Havering Council has been approved by Cabinet.
The new charter aims to provide a more inclusive culture within the Council. It will be overseen by the Learning
Disabilities and Autism Employment Steering Group who will support the Council in developing an action plan.
Councillor Gillian Ford, Cabinet Member for Adults and Wellbeing, said:
“People with autism and learning disabilities are much more likely to be unemployed than the rest of the population. In Havering, 3.4 percent of people with a learning disability and autism are in employment compared to national average of 4.8 percent.
“The charter is a clear step to turning this around and will embed a more inclusive culture into the recruitment and retention process within the Council.
“It will increase the chance of people with autism and learning disabilities of finding good employment within the Council and across the borough.
“We will be encouraging businesses in Havering to follow our lead.”
The approach will be phased and will include various key actions.
- Staff engagement and promoting the benefits of hiring people with learning disabilities and autism
- Guaranteed interviews to people who meet the criteria
- Inclusive recruitment practices, i.e. provide exercises that reduce disadvantage
- Inclusive personalised employment plans which include the individual’s support needs
- Matching individuals with job opportunities that suit their skills and interests
- On the job support, i.e. coaching.