Today Justine Greening MP launched the Undiscovered Workforce project in Roehampton with residents, local business and the National Autistic Society.

The Undiscovered Workforce is a campaign by the National Autistic Society (NAS) to raise awareness of the issues faced by adults with autism and Asperger syndrome in gaining sustainable employment.

The event brought together a range of local employers, people with autism, Wandsworth Council and people from the local area who have experience of supporting and working with people with autism.

Currently only 15% of adults with autism are in employment and raising awareness of autism with local organisations, including employers, is vital to begin to increase this number.

At the event Justine said:
“I’m working with the National Autistic Society on this campaign, because I believe it’s important that adults with autism have the same opportunities as everyone else. Constituents I meet tell me they find it hard to find, and stay in employment, often due to inadequate support and misunderstandings related to their condition.”

“This campaign is about showing local employers that people with autism have a huge amount to offer the world of business and often have unique skills and abilities that will help an organisation succeed.”

If you’re a resident with autism or a local business and would like to get involved please contact Justine on greeningj@parliament.uk. For more information please see www.autism.org.uk/undiscoveredworkforce.

November 30, 2012