Learning Disability Week: We must close the employment gap

Process needs to be inclusive

The latest data about the UK economy paints a gloomy picture. Inflation is soaring, prices are rising, and the Bank of England has warned that the UK may be heading for recession this year.

The statistic I am most interested in is job vacancies. Last week, the ONS announced this rose to a new record of 1.3 million from March to May. This is now higher than the number of people unemployed. It is clear we need more people in work to boost the economy. In a bleak economic landscape, this figure presents an opportunity. There are around one million people with special educational needs and disability (SEND) out of work, many of whom are keen, ambitious, young adults with an array of talent to offer employers. But stigma, prejudice, or inadequate support too often prevents these...