Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps she is taking to support neurodiverse people into employment in Leeds North West constituency.

The government has committed to raising awareness of all forms of neurodiversity in the workplace. In January 2025, DWP launched an independent panel of academics with expertise and experiences of neurodiversity to advise us on boosting neurodiversity awareness and inclusion at work. The panel will consider the reasons why neurodivergent people have poor experiences in the workplace, and a low overall employment rate, making their recommendations in the summer.

The Department is dedicated to supporting employment opportunities for neurodiverse individuals in the Leeds North West constituency. Currently, two Disability Employment Advisers are conducting a neurodiverse trial designed to assist customers in progressing towards or securing employment. These advisers are stationed at the jobcentre and operate from an outreach office at Leeds City Hub on Fridays. They are available for both ad hoc drop-ins and scheduled, health-focused appointments that are longer in duration.

This initiative offers comprehensive support, including promoting independence, updating Health Adjustment Passports, and assisting with Access to Work claims. Additionally, the Disability Employment Advisers have delivered sessions at Scope for neurodiverse customers, concentrating on employability, digital skills, and confidence building.

The trial has shown encouraging outcomes, with 50% of participants advancing towards employment. We are also enhancing our partnerships with Autism Aim and Leeds Autism Services to provide both individual and group advocacy support.

To better accommodate neurodivergent individuals, those with high anxiety, and other vulnerable claimants, we facilitate a quiet hour at all our job fairs.