Neurodivergent People: Employment Debate

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Department: Department for Work and Pensions

Neurodivergent People: Employment

Steve Yemm Excerpts
Tuesday 9th September 2025

(1 day, 21 hours ago)

Westminster Hall
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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.

Steve Yemm Portrait Steve Yemm (Mansfield) (Lab)
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Specifically on that point, it is important to recognise that neurodivergent people, particularly young neurodivergent people, should be treated individually, as the hon. Member has just suggested. In my constituency, West Notts college offers a number of entirely bespoke courses that are specifically designed have that sort of impact. The outcomes from those courses are truly phenomenal and West Notts college deserves our praise for helping so many young people into further education and back into employment. Does the hon. Member agree that a one-size-fits-all approach is really not the best way to get neurodivergent people, and those with special educational needs and disabilities, back into education and employment?

Esther McVey Portrait Esther McVey (in the Chair)
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Order. May I remind hon. Members that interventions are just that? They are interventions, not short speeches.