Data indicates that employment rates of young people with a learning disability and/or autism (LDA) are very low.

The Youth Futures Foundation, a What Works Centre, commissioned Cordis Bright to conduct research to better understand the need for employment support among young people with LDA, current provision of employment support, what works for this group and how to address gaps between current need and provision.

Our research involved a mixed methods approach including a survey of providers and consultation with young people and a variety of key stakeholders in the field. We found that although young people with LDA often want to work, they face multiple barriers to entering and maintaining paid employment.

A range of support currently exists to help young people with LDA into work, however provision varies based on factors such as location, eligibility criteria and level of support needs. Some promising models of support include supported internships, supported employment, work trials and access to job coaches.

Further work is needed to expand provision and build on what works, and also to strengthen local partnerships to maximise the impact of support.

YFF have recently published the reports, which are available here.