On 9 September, I led my first Westminster Hall debate since being elected last year on the subject of supporting neurodivergent people into employment.
I am privileged to represent a constituency in Ely and East Cambridgeshire that has so many businesses who already go above and beyond to help neurodivergent people and those with learning disabilities into employment. Their hard work is underpinned by specialist schools including Highfields academies in Ely and Littleport and the Centre School in Cottenham, who provide nurturing and support for their pupils from a very young age with the hope that they will go on to contribute positively to our society.
Since becoming an MP, I have visited many of these schools and businesses and have been struck by the number of success stories they shared with me where their students and employees have gone on to flourish in the workplace.
Prospects Trust is a working farm that supports people with additional needs, and it runs Unwrapped, an organic café and shop in Ely. The café has up to four supported co-workers per day, Monday to Saturday, giving people employment, skills and the experience they need to go on and make a successful career. So far, five of its co-workers have gone on to secure employment positions after their placement.
Harry Specters is a luxury chocolate company founded by Mona Shah. She recently received an MBE for her services to training and employment for young people with autism. In 2012, Mona was inspired to launch the business by her autistic son, Ash, and they are proud to have autistic staff involved in every aspect of the business.
One of her staff members faced difficult circumstances. They struggled in traditional workplace environments, suffered long-term bullying and had retreated into self-employment as a safe space, but that was not sustainable and they were stuck in an abusive, financially dependent relationship. Mona hired them, and they have thrived ever since. They have built the confidence to speak on radio and podcasts and hosted events. They have moved into their own flat and built an independent, stable life.
I want these stories to become the norm, not the exception. I welcome the fact that businesses in my constituency are going above and beyond to support neurodivergent people into work, but this should not be seen as going above and beyond, it should be seen as the gold standard.
Showing patience, understanding and flexibility is not going above and beyond, it is the least that should be expected if we are serious about supporting neurodivergent people in the workplace.
I used my speech to highlight problems with the Access to Work scheme, with my constituents experiencing lengthy delays and reduced support. At the moment the payments are too slow which deters small businesses from getting involved.
We need to promote specialised apprenticeships and remove barriers to accessing them, such as the requirement for an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan in order to obtain flexibility within apprenticeship rules. We are well aware of the challenges families face in securing these plans, making this a particularly high hurdle to overcome just to gain a small measure of flexibility. I hope the Government will take this recommendation on board.
I was pleased with the constructive tone across the House during the debate and the many positive examples shared by Members from their own constituencies, which was encouraging to hear. If the Government takes on board the comments made during the debate about Access to Work, apprenticeships, training and SEND, then we have a sizeable community full of untapped potential ready to unlock, which can only help in growing our country’s economy.
We must redouble our efforts to support businesses that are employing neurodivergent people
