Published on 12, July, 2020
DWP are going to be targetting those with Autism and Aspergers, among other hidden disabilities, to undergo Psychotherapeutic interventions. It is very likely that those refusing to participate will have their benefits sanctioned, as they will be considered to be not taking active steps towards seeking employment.
"The aim of the provision is to provide in depth support to assist claimants focus their minds on the activities and behaviours required to obtain and sustain employment. The claimants, who are in receipt of either Jobseekers Allowance (JSA) or Employment Support Allowance (ESA) will receive a highly personalised, individual, realistic, learning and employability programme, which is structured, focused and tailored to each claimant’s specific needs. This will include tackling complex barriers, as well as worklessness, motivation, interaction, anxiety concerns, and concentration issues."
https://www.contractsfinder.businesslink.gov.uk/Common/View%20Notice.aspx?NoticeId=1702143
I myself have Aspergers and a First Class Honours Degree in Psychology. Despite my difficulties and concerted effort in seeking work, I only managed to secure my first job aged 32. It always came down to the fact that I was unable to do as well as others in interviews and compete against those without my difficulties. Making employers aware of Aspergers in aplication forms never helped. I only successfully secured a job when an employer was willing to offer unpaid work experience and judge me based on my work performance, rather than interview performance - I had infact just failed to get through an interview at the same employer.
I know the problem is not with people with the types of difficulties described. The problem is employers who are unwilling to see beyond these differences. I welcome any efforts to help people into work. However, I am appalled that this approach blames people for difficulties they never chose to have. Efforts should be directed at employers themselves.
It would be nice to see an official line on this issue from NAS at some point, but I accept this can only be done once all is known. Will try research this issue more later and update this post if necessary.
Hi, I wdn't trust the government via the DWP to get this right in 100 yrs. I definitely agree we need more info on this, inc. the "nas line". Mods??
I despair with NAS. They offer employer training packages that you cannot find out anything about until you actually go on one (at £250 a time plus VAT). So how do we know what they are saying is valid?
NAS hasn't really shifted away from supported work placements for the more markedly disabled. I don't see what depth of understanding they have to offer for those at the able end who have been successful in work, but I doubt if it would be any more informative for those whose disability prevents them finding work, who are the ones being targetted by this scandalous Nazi-like proposition.
I've been trying as hard as I can to get the attention of the Work and Pension's Committee and through my MP with Mark Harper MP Minister for the Disabled.
I'm just an individual. My views probably aren't taken seriously.
But who is advising the Government? NAS? Is it something NAS has said that forms the basis of this draconian measure?
Has NAS said something that has led the DWP to conclude that instilling "activities and behaviours required to obtain and sustain employment" is feasible with autistic spectrum.
If you stop to think about it we are talking CBT here - and a definition of autism confined to the Triad of Impairments that doesn't adequately explain problems with the work ethic! Yes, perhaps it is being suggested, these are changeable aspects of the condition.
I wish NAS would communicate with US about what is going on.