Registered charity Mencap is
trying to encourage employers to make use of apprenticeships to boost levels of
employment for potential employees with learning disabilities.
Mencap says that research from
the Health and Social Care Information Centre shows that fewer than 6 per cent
of adults with a recognised learning disability are in paid employment, and
that people with these disabilities are up against various barriers when
seeking work. These barriers include complex application forms; negative
attitudes from employers and rigid interview processes that don’t allow any
flexibility.
Lack of Training for Learning Disabilities Apprentices
Even when people with learning disabilities
do make it into employment, they regularly face a lack of training and onward
opportunities, according to Mencap.
Last year the Government
announced a reduction of the minimum requirements for maths and English
standards to make it easier for people with learning disabilities to pursue
certain apprenticeships.
According to Mencap, “By ensuring
people with a learning disability are able to access apprenticeships, it will
provide a route into work better suited to people with a learning disability
where they can demonstrate their skills”.
According to Government data,
during the period 2014-2015, fewer than 1 per cent of apprentices declared a
moderate learning disability.
Plans set to Ease the Route in Apprentices with Learning Disabilities
Chief executive of Mencap Jan
Tregelles, said: “The introduction of these plans are a welcome recognition
from Government that people with a learning disability cannot be left behind
when accessing such a vital and valuable route into work as an apprenticeship.
“Lowering the Maths and English
requirement for people with a learning disability on apprenticeships could
allow a whole new generation to experience the pride, joy and independence that
employment can offer – something that just 5.8% of people with a learning
disability currently do.”
Furthermore, Secretary of State
for Work and Pensions, David Gauke, added: “People with a learning disability
deserve the same opportunities that others have in every aspect of their lives,
including in the workplace. Almost 600,000 disabled people have entered work in
the last three years, and we must build on this progress.”
Apprenticeships should act as a
valuable route into employment for those with learning disabilities, who have
an incredible amount to offer in many ways.
For more information about taking
on an apprentice, speak to your local bookkeepers.
