Only 5.6% of adults with learning disabilities in paid employment

This new research that reveals that only 5.6% of adults with learning disabilities in England are in paid employment. This is a shocking statistic which demonstrates that the country has a long way to go in order to fully embrace people who have these disabilities. 

As a Court of Protection lawyer I work alongside clients on a day to day basis who have reduced mental capacity for a variety of reasons, including brain injuries, cerebral palsy and neurodegenerative conditions such as dementia, autism and learning disabilities. Many of those individuals are capable of some form of work and would benefit hugely from the self-esteem and value of contributing to an organisation, of having added purpose in their lives and of being able to earn an income. Sadly, very often it is the opinion of experts in the field that such disabilities are a barrier to employment and that achieving remunerative employment is unlikely.

I also see this through my role as Chair of Trustees of Headway Portsmouth and South East Hampshire; the organisation provides training and support for those who have acquired brain injuries. When that support is instrumental in service users acquiring employment we hear about how great it is to be working and how positive the experience is for that individual. 

People who have learning disabilities should not be "written off" as automatically unfit for work, there are many types of work that may be appropriate for them.