Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he has taken to support neurodiverse people employed in the healthcare sector in Surrey Heath Constituency.

We do not currently collect data breaking down neurodivergent employment by sector, but, as a Government, we are committed to supporting neurodiversity in the workplace and encouraging employers to adopt neuro-inclusive working practices.

On 29 January 2025, the Government launched an independent panel of academics with expertise and experiences of neurodiversity to advise us on improving neurodiversity awareness and inclusion at work. Many of the panel are diagnosed or identify as neurodivergent and/or have familial experience alongside their professional experience and expertise.

Recommendations are expected to include employer actions that can support the inclusion of neurodivergent people, including in recruitment and day to day workplace practices.

Our existing support to employers includes the online Support with Employee Health and Disability service. This guidance equips employers to discharge their legal obligations and feel confident having conversations about health and disability. The Disability Confident scheme helps employers to become exemplars, signposting to a range of expert resources.