ADULTS WITH DOWN'S SYNDROME STILL FACING BARRIERS TO EMPLOYMENT
01/06/2007
Only one in five adults of working age with Down’s syndrome are in paid employment, new research from the Down’s Syndrome Association (DSA) reveals today. The research was conducted as part of the DSA’s campaign to highlight that far too many capable adults are being overlooked by potential employers due to their learning disability.
The research shows that:
20% of adults aged 18-60 with Down’s syndrome are in paid employment – this is nearly four times less than the general population of working age
Over half of adults with Down’s syndrome are not working at all, either on a voluntary or paid basis
Two-thirds of those who aren’t working would like a job
26% of respondents are doing voluntary work, either through choice or because they cannot find paid employment
Many respondents stated that they felt let down by employment support services, or felt that potential employers could not see past the disability.
Patricia, mother of 27-year-old Michael with Down’s syndrome, said:
“I have written to various large retail outlets on Michael’s behalf. I have explained that he has done work experience in retail in the past, and is more than capable of stacking shelves or packing bags. He has his own personal assistant funded by his Independent Living Fund (ILF) so they wouldn’t need to provide the extra support themselves. I only wanted an opportunity for him to do further work experience at first, I wasn’t even asking for paid employment. Most companies didn’t even bother to reply, and those that did said a firm ‘no’ – with no offer to keep an application on file or to get back in touch if something came up.”
Those participants who were in employment spoke very positively about their experiences. Jobs ranged from retail and clerical roles to acting and even work with stained glass. One 23-year-old-lady with Down’s syndrome, who works as an Outreach Officer, said:
“Doing this type of work with so many wonderful people who help others really does make me feel good and want to smile. I like being able to make a difference to young people's future.”
Employers who have successfully recruited someone with Down’s syndrome have noted benefits such as improved staff morale, reduced staff turnover, improved staff attendance, access to an untapped pool of labour and a positive corporate image.
Carol Boys, Chief Executive of the DSA, said:
“We firmly believe that adults with Down’s syndrome should have the same choices and chances as the rest of the population. Paid employment will not be suitable for everyone, but for those who want to work, the opportunities should be available without seemingly endless barriers. Young adults with Down’s syndrome today are rightfully leaving school with the same hopes, dreams and expectations as their peers and all too often find that doors are closed to them. We have to change employers’ attitudes and preconceptions, as well as making it easier for them to access this potential workforce. With appropriate training and support, people with Down’s syndrome can and do make a huge contribution to their workplace.”
The DSA is offering bespoke training for either employers considering recruiting someone with Down’s syndrome, or for those who have a member of staff with Down’s syndrome and would like further support. For further information about training, or to speak to an Information Officer about employment issues, please call .
ENDS
For further information, please contact Jessica ffield, Communications Officer on / or e-mail
Interviews with case studies and spokespeople available on request.
Notes for editors:
Down’s syndrome is a genetic condition caused by the presence of an extra chromosome in a baby’s cells. It occurs by chance at conception.
The DSA is a national charity that exists to provide information and support for people with Down’s syndrome, their families, carers and those with a professional interest. It also seeks to improve knowledge and understanding and champion the rights of people with Down’s syndrome
The DSA relies almost entirely on voluntary donations to continue operating