New research suggests people with learning disabilities being frozen out of workforce
Mencap's figures say 50% of employers don't hire anyone with a learning difficulty
New figures from a charity that supports people with learning disabilities suggest some of the people they help are being frozen out of the workforce.
Mencap's research shows 80% of hirers believe people with a learning disability can be a productive part of their teams, but almost 50% don't employ any.
Just under 27 percent of the workforce includes people who have a learning disability.
Some 86% of unemployed people with a learning disability have told Mencap they want to be in paid work.
There are around a million people with a learning disability in the UK who are of working age, and more are coming forward to challenge stereotypes.
Janis, from Cornwall, thoroughly enjoys her job at Tesco - where she's worked for 11 years.
She says: "Don't underestimate our skills and what we can bring to the workplace.
"Everyone is unique, and brings something different - that's what makes a strong team."
According to Mencap's research, some of the barriers employers quote are:
- Health and safety concerns (37%)
- Fear of saying or doing the wrong thing (30%)
- Lack of knowledge about adjustments (23%)
Janis adds: ""Don't judge until you see what someone with a learning disability can do."