Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps she is taking to ensure that autism is considered in delivery plans for the Get Britain Working White Paper, published on 26 November 2024.

A range of stakeholders have provided input and expertise to support policy development and delivery of the reforms outlined in the Get Britain Working White Paper.

Our aim is to create an inclusive labour market in which everybody – including neurodivergent people – can participate and progress in work. We will do this by developing a new Jobs and Careers service, which will be accessible and inclusive for all users, and will provide personalised and tailored support to those looking to find or progress in work. It will also work in partnership with other local services, helping people to access the employment, health and skills support they need in their community.

Additionally, the Keep Britain Working review is exploring how employers can support healthy and inclusive workplaces. Findings from the initial discovery phase were published in March, and now the review Chair and team are engaging with a range of stakeholders to discuss the problems and how they can be addressed.

Finally, we have launched an independent panel of academics with expertise and experiences of neurodiversity to advise us on boosting 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.