Neurodivergent People: Employment Debate

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Department: Department for Work and Pensions

Neurodivergent People: Employment

Samantha Niblett Excerpts
Tuesday 9th September 2025

(2 days, 12 hours ago)

Westminster Hall
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Charlotte Cane Portrait Charlotte Cane
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I agree with the hon. Member that helping people to stay and flourish in employment, once they are in employment, is hugely important.

Samantha Niblett Portrait Samantha Niblett (South Derbyshire) (Lab)
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As a proud auntie to Benjamin, who is autistic, I am delighted when I hear of employers who are doing great things for neurodivergent people. A constituent of mine, Ian Carlier, is the chief executive officer of Momentic, which supports people to get off benefits and into self-employed work. Does she agree that when we consider employment for neurodivergent people, giving them a pathway and support into self-employed work might suit them better?

Charlotte Cane Portrait Charlotte Cane
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I do not know about self-employment being “better”, but it is certainly important, because different things will work best for different people. Neurodivergent people need the same full choice as non-neurodivergent people.