Overview
This Healthwatch Essex report explores employment for people with learning disabilities and the barriers some people face when finding and keeping work.
The report looks at people’s experiences of work, volunteering and training opportunities. It also highlights what can help improve employment for people with learning disabilities in Essex and beyond.
Around 1.5 million people in the UK have a learning disability. In Essex, more than 21,000 adults aged 18 to 65 have a learning disability.
At the time of the research, only a small proportion of adults with learning disabilities receiving Adult Social Care support were in paid employment.
The report explores the barriers people face and what can help people access meaningful employment.
How the research was carried out
Healthwatch Essex interviewed 17 adults with learning disabilities who had recently been involved in paid work, volunteering or work experience.
Participants shared their experiences of looking for work, developing skills and working in different environments.
Key findings
Support helps people build confidence and ambition
People who had encouragement from family, friends, schools or support workers were often more confident about finding work and planning for the future.
Support helped people explore opportunities, learn new skills and develop career goals.
Not everyone is encouraged to aim for employment
Some participants said they had not been supported to think about work or future career opportunities.
A lack of encouragement, inaccessible environments and concerns about the unknown sometimes limited people’s expectations about what they could achieve.
Barriers can prevent people accessing opportunities
Participants described challenges including:
- inaccessible workplaces
- discrimination
- lack of support
- limited opportunities to gain experience
- low expectations from others
These barriers sometimes made employment feel out of reach.
Positive workplaces make a difference
People reported better experiences when employers and colleagues were supportive and understanding.
Friendly and inclusive workplaces helped people feel valued and able to contribute.
Learning on the job is important
Many participants found practical learning opportunities helpful.
Activities such as shadowing colleagues, workplace training and hands-on experience helped people understand their role and build confidence.
Recommendations
The report recommends providing stronger support for people with learning disabilities throughout their education and employment journey.
This includes:
- helping young people develop confidence and aspirations
- providing support in schools, communities and workplaces
- creating more inclusive employment opportunities
- improving access to work experience and training
- ensuring people receive the support they need to find and keep employment
The report also highlights that aspirations alone are not enough. People need practical support, accessible opportunities and the right resources to help them succeed.
Conclusion
The report shows that people with learning disabilities can make valuable contributions in the workplace when they receive the right support.
Positive relationships, inclusive workplaces and opportunities to learn can help people achieve their employment goals.
The findings highlight the importance of reducing barriers and creating more opportunities for people with learning disabilities to access meaningful work.
Read full research report