Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether the department has considered introducing or expanding a form of ongoing employment support for neurodivergent claimants which includes (a) identifying suitable vacancies, (b) assistance with applications, (c) support communicating with prospective employers and (d) regular follow-up to maintain progress towards employment.

Neurodivergent people can access a range of employment support to help them to find secure meaningful work, stay in work and progress in their career.

Our specialist programme, Connect to Work, has been designed using well-evidenced Supported Employment models. It is for anyone who is disabled, has a health condition or complex non-health related barriers to work, and has a specific pathway for people who are neurodivergent. Participants are given a dedicated specialist employment support adviser who works alongside them to understand their career goals, help address barriers to employment and seek good labour market matches for participants. The advisor stays with them once in work, supporting both the participant and the employer and ensuring a successful start into work. In the South Midlands, participants can apply through the South Midlands Connect to Work webpage: Connect to Work – South Midlands Authorities.

There are also around 1,000 (full time equivalent) Pathways to Work Advisers in jobcentres across England, Scotland and Wales, providing personalised one-to-one support to disabled customers and those with health conditions. Disability Employment Advisers also help work coaches and Pathways to Work Advisers to tailor their support to customers’ needs.

In England, the National Careers Service supports disabled adults and those with special educational needs as a priority group. People can access careers information and advice through the website, webchat and telephone line, as well as in-depth advice and guidance from professionally qualified careers advisers through the community-based offer.

As part of our plans to Get Britain Working, we are creating a Jobs and Careers Service, with an enhanced focus on skills and careers. Support will be more inclusive and tailored to individual needs to help people find, progress and stay in work. This includes our digital tools, known as the Work Hub, designed to help everyone access online support, including an online AI work assistant, CV builder and a new job search tool. We are also upskilling our colleagues to deliver high-quality, personalised employment support through our Get Britain Working Coaching Academy.