Scotland’s employment landscape for people with learning disabilities

It is clear that many people with learning disabilities would like more opportunities to have a paid job and, just as importantly, to keep their job and build a career. For many, this would unlock more choice and control over how to live their lives. But it is also clear that very few people with a learning disability in Scotland have the support and opportunities that would enable them to work.

Click here to view the report – Learning-disabilities-employment-final

Here is a summary of the findings:

  • Employment outcomes for people with learning disabilities are poor and there is no evidence of progress being made.
  • Employment is not a viable option for everyone with a learning disability, and it is important to recognise that this does not preclude people from leading fulfilling lives. Success does not mean everyone with a learning disability working – it means everyone who can and wants to work having the support and opportunities that enables them to do so.
  • A lack of disaggregated data means that there is no reliable labour market information about people with a learning disability in Scotland.
  • There is data on the pan-disabled employment rate. The Scottish Government is unlikely to meet its flagship ambition to halve the disability employment gap without improving opportunities for people with a learning disability.
  • There is evidence of what works. Case studies presented in this report show that success is possible with the right support in place.
  • The key challenge is replicating success at scale.
  • Meaningful progress cannot be made by government alone. It requires all stakeholders, including employers, to take active steps towards more inclusive working environments.
  • This presents an opportunity for government and employers to invest in the support that will unlock the potential of people with a learning disability.

For further information click here – https://fraserofallander.org/publications/report-scotlands-employment-landscape-for-people-with-learning-disabilities/