Youth Unemployment

Baroness Browning Excerpts

Thursday 5th February 2026 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Smith of Malvern (Lab)]

Yes, I do. That is why, through the curriculum and assessment review, we have ensured that young people are getting the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in life and in work. We will continue to ensure that that is the case throughout our schools.

[Baroness Browning (Con)]

My Lords—

[Lord Harrington of Watford (Non-Afl)]

My Lords, I declare—

[Noble Lords]

Browning.

[Baroness Browning (Con)]

My Lords, the employment of autistic adults remains at a remarkably low rate of about 30%. Each time there is a new strategy under the Autism Act, employment has been highlighted as one of the priorities. The strategy is due for renewal in July. I am sure that the Minister will be involved in the discussions for planning that strategy. How does she think we can now get autistic adults of all age groups into employment? It has been far too slow and has taken far too long, under all Governments.

[Baroness Smith of Malvern (Lab)]

The noble Baroness raises an important point. This is an opportunity for us to rethink how we can ensure the appropriate support, the appropriate information and understanding of employers about the way in which autistic people can make an enormously important contribution in the workplace, and the support of work coaches in DWP and others who are providing the advice to people about how to get into work. I will certainly undertake to look into this in more detail and take the wisdom of the noble Baroness, who I know has campaigned on this for many years.