Less than 5% of adults with learning disabilities are currently in employment

Less than 5% of adults with learning disabilities in the UK are currently in employment, figures have revealed.

And just four in 10 UK companies (42%) said they would be likely to employ someone with a learning disability in the future.

As a result, nearly four in five adults (79%) with such disabilities have been put off applying for a job role at all, for fear of being judged by the interviewer.

More than half (51%), of the 500 adults polled with a learning disability, lack confidence when going for a job, with 32% believing that an employer would not hire them.

And three in 10 (29%) find the application process difficult, while 27% worry they wouldn't have the right support needed to carry out the role.

It also emerged that a quarter do not feel supported by employers when going for a job.

Ahead of Learning Disability Week, from June 19-25, Hilton commissioned the research to launch a free educational workshop, in partnership with the Down’s Syndrome Association and Aurora Foxes, which will take place in early September.

Four in five say they would be put off going for a job, for fear of being judged by an interviewer (Hilton)

Stephen Cassidy, senior vice president and managing director for UK & Ireland at Hilton, said: “Building an inclusive workplace, which allows every individual to thrive, is fundamental to the success of any business.

“We’ve seen first-hand the benefits of supporting those with learning disabilities, welcoming some exceptional talent into our business in partnership with the Down’s Syndrome Association and Aurora Foxes.

“But this research shows there is a real opportunity to empower more businesses to embrace this wealth of talent.

“We hope that by sharing our experience, we can inspire other employers to provide much-needed job opportunities for those with learning disabilities, and help them reap the benefits that a diverse workforce brings – from employee engagement to business performance.”

According to the British Association for Supported Employment, employment rates of those with a learning disability have fallen to 4.8%.

And 60%, of the 500 employers also polled by the hotel brand, felt UK companies are not doing enough to be inclusive.

Some of the main barriers to recruiting these adults include not having suitable roles (30%), or the right infrastructure in place to offer support (26%) – while 21% cited the cost to the business when it comes to additional training.

However, even when they get a job, 62% of those with learning disabilities find it hard to stay in employment – with 45% blaming this on the company not being equipped to support those with a learning disability, while 41% felt they didn't have the right help from their team.

And 32% feel that prospective employers do not understand what they are capable of doing, given the right support.

The best solutions to aid those with disabilities in workplace included training for all employees (39%), and training for managers (38%).

Among employers who had hired people with a learning disability, a massive 89% said that person or people had exceeded or met expectations, according to the research conducted via OnePoll.

However, nearly half (46%) had no training on how to hire or manage those with learning disabilities, and 36% admitted they do not offer any ongoing support to help those people.

Shomari Burford (middle), who has Down's syndrome, says he loves working as a concierge for a Hilton hotel in London (Hilton)

Helping employees become more empathetic (62%), creating a stronger team bond (48%), and demonstrating the benefits of having a diverse team (45%), were noted as the tangible benefits of a diverse hiring process.

Shomari Burford, aged 24, from London, has Down’s Syndrome, and began his career at Hilton in 2018.

He now works in a concierge, helping guests and supporting the hotel’s operations team.

He said: “I love working here. It’s great to see a lot of guests coming in and out the hotel, and I really enjoy helping them. That’s my favourite part of the job, as well as working with my team, who have all been very supportive.”

Alison Thwaite, employment development manager at the Down’s Syndrome Association, added: “The findings highlight the critical need for companies to prioritise training and support for decision-makers when it comes to welcoming people with learning disabilities into the workplace.

“As well as providing benefits for businesses, the power of employment for those with a learning disability cannot be underestimated.

“Finding work can help individuals increase their circle of friends, build self-esteem and confidence, increase independence, and support both personal and professional development.”