'Great satisfaction' for autistic people thanks to Ely chocolate firm
Its founder says there is still more to do to improve access to work
An autistic man says working at a chocolate business in Ely has helped give him a new purpose in life.
Harry Specters opened in 2012 with the aim of giving autistic people a place to build confidence in the workplace.
In the last three years, it has provided 13,162 hours of employment for 33 staff, as well as offering more than 1,600 hours of free training and work experience hours for 35 young people with autism spectrum disorder.
"Whenever I'm doing any job here, I always set myself goals; I strive to be the best employee I can possibly be and in a way, I feel a great sense of satisfaction when I do good work," Joseph said.
He's been working at Harry's since 2019, having previously worked as a gardener.
Joseph found out about the job at Harry's from a friend, and works on the production side of the factory.
"It makes me feel more motivated to the point I want to help out more at home," he said.
"Even if my parents insist I don't need to help out, I'm still eager; I definitely have more energy and momentum, and whatever I do at work I'm always willing to do at home."
Last year, Harry Specters provided more than 5,000 hours of employment to autistic people with almost 239,000 chocolates produced.
On its website, the social enterprise says it hires autistic people to help them "find their feet and become independent."
Mona Shah helped set up Harry Specters 14 years ago with her husband Shaz after raising concerns around what the future of their autistic son Ash would look like after he left school and finding work.
"I'm quite proud of what we've done but there's so much more to do; we're always looking to expand and give more people opportunities," Mona said.
A core team of six people including Mona, Shaz and Ash work at Harry Specters on a regular basis, with more staff brought in during peak periods such as Christmas and Easter.
While 65% of profits made go back into the business, and any income from the chocolate it sells helps employ autistic people.
Mona said the business also works with schools and colleges to talk to pupils about what they do as well as offer free work experience placements.
But she feels there can be more understanding around how autistic people work.
"You can't see (autism); a lot of them (autistic people) mask and it makes it more difficult for people to interact and understand because they do appear neurotypical most of the time because of all the masking," Mona added.
In the 2024-25 financial year, Government data shows more than a third of autistic people were in employment, compared to 55.3% of all disabled people.
While the National Autistic Society has previously found more than three-quarters of unemployed autistic people want to work.
Joseph is keen to see better access to work for people like him.
"I'd say don't judge autistic people and turn them away based on the fact they're autistic; give them a chance," he added.
"They definitely have many various skills they can provide to many different workplaces."
What does the Government say?
The Government hopes its independent review into autism and ADHD will help autistic people get the right support at the right time and in the right place.
A spokesperson for the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) said by doing so, this can help "break down unnecessary barriers to employment for autistic people who can and want to work.
“We have recently asked an expert academic panel to look into the struggles faced by neurodivergent people in the workplace and are carefully considering its recommendations.
"This month we have also legislated to ensure that benefit claimants have the right to try work without risking immediate benefits loss, opening up work for neurodivergent people.
The DWP added the Government has redeployed 1,000 work coaches "to help thousands of people who were previously left without contact from the system for years."