A new study from the University of Strathclyde highlights that employers’ lack of understanding is limiting job opportunities for people with learning disabilities. The research identified five main obstacles: lack of knowledge leading to bias, lack of focus on this group, uncertainty about how to recruit them, not knowing where to begin, and concerns over perceived costs.
“Our report shows that while employers are interested in hiring people with learning disabilities, they need more information and support,” the researchers explained. “We’ve heard directly that people with learning disabilities can be great employees when given the right help.”
A learning disability is a lifelong condition that affects a person’s ability to understand new information, learn new skills, and live independently. Yet, only 4.1% of the 23,584 working-age adults with a learning disability in Scotland were employed, according to the latest data, far below the national employment rate of 74.7%.
Lack of understanding
The research, commissioned by the Fraser of Allander Institute and conducted by EDI consultancy Inclusive Recruiting, surveyed 28 companies. Although all expressed a willingness to hire people with learning disabilities, many HR and management staff couldn’t clearly define what a learning disability is, and half had never discussed how to make such hires. This lack of understanding often results in prejudice, further limiting opportunities for those with learning disabilities.
The study also found that many employers were unaware of government support programs like Access to Work, which helps employees with health conditions overcome barriers to employment. Employers also expressed the need for tailored onboarding processes for staff with learning disabilities.
Several suggestions for improvement emerged from the study, including the creation of learning resources and networking opportunities for employers to share experiences. Notably, many companies said they would be willing to pay for such resources if they were available.
