New government initiative to help disadvantaged workers back into work

Published by

Sam Pither

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A new nationwide government initiative to help people with learning disabilities and autism will help 90 adults in Surrey to find employment.

The new Local Supported Employment scheme is distributing grants totalling £7.6 million to 24 local authorities in England and Wales over the next three years. Surrey will see £350,000 of this funding.

Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work, Chloe Smith MP, said: “Disabled people deserve the same opportunities to start, stay and succeed in employment as everyone else.

“We know that those with autism and learning disabilities can face particular barriers to employment, which is why we’re spending £350,000 here in Surrey through the Local Supported Employment initiative.

“We hope to break down those barriers and use local networks to help more disabled people reach their full potential.”

Along with Surrey, the Kent, Oxfordshire and Southampton local authorities are also set to be part of the scheme.

The launch follows a proof of concept pilot which the DWP ran with nine local authorities for six months in November 2017. The feedback gained during this period has been used to improve the service.

Evidence from similar schemes suggests that at least 30 per cent of participants should start work in some form following their involvement with the initiative.

Sam Pither

Sam is the Regional Editor of Biz News, responsible for both Hampshire and Dorset. A new recruit to journalism, Sam started writing for the Business Magazine as a freelancer in May of 2022 after completing his degree in English at University College London. His passion for local businesses and ability to tell a story soon caught the attention of the publication’s management team and have led to his meteoric rise. Sam, who lives in central Reading, takes a particular interest in technology, gaming and food and drink, having been a chef before starting his degree.