As the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) steps up its drive to get more people, including those with disabilities, into work, a report says that those with autism are included in the initiative. A leading charity has backed the move and says it wants to see twice as many autistic people in the workplace.
Autism is one of the many hidden disabilities for which Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is paid. For those eligible, it can be worth up to £627 a month - rising to £691 from April. Birmingham Live says that there are a total of three million people in the UK on this benefit, with around 114,000 of those with autism.
The Government says people with autism have particularly low employment rates – with fewer than three in 10 in work - but its new review aims to change that. The DWP says it aims to boost work prospects and will focus on supporting employers to recruit and retain autistic people and "reap the benefits of a neurodiverse workforce." Proposals are to go before the Government later this year.
