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DWP to target those with disabilities including Autism and Aspergers

anewman
over 9 years ago

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.

Parents
  • over 9 years ago

    06/03/2013

    The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has been ordered to pay
    a woman with Asperger's syndrome a total of £70,000 after an
    employment tribunal found it to be guilty of disability
    discrimination.

    The Business Disability Forum has reported that the tribunal, held
    in Dundee, heard how the woman was asked to return to work but felt
    that a breakdown in trust and confidence led to high levels of
    anxiety which she was unable to overcome.

    The DWP was judged to have subjected the claimant to harassment due
    to her Asperger's. The syndrome, which is a form of autism, shows
    no outward signs but can cause difficulties in social communication
    and interaction.

    Many people with Asperger's syndrome have a variety of skills that
    enable them to thrive in a variety of roles. However, they are
    often disadvantaged when it comes to securing employment because of
    their difficulties with social skills.

    The National Autistic Society said that many employers do not
    realise that people with some autism spectrum disorders, such as
    Asperger's syndrome, can be highly skilled and qualified as well as
    being extremely employable.

    The tribunal initially awarded damages to the claimant of £54,000
    as compensation for constructive unfair dismissal and disability
    discrimination. In a further hearing, another £17,500 was ordered
    to be paid by the DWP for failing to comply with a re-employment
    ruling.

    Judge Ian McFatridge said that the DWP had "treated the claimant
    extremely badly".

    "We were required to take into account the fact that the claimant
    is psychologically unable to return to work with the respondents
    and that this is something which has been brought on by the
    respondents’ treatment of her," he explained.

    A DWP spokesperson said that it acknowledged the tribunal’s
    findings and works hard to ensure that it achieves its commitments
    to good practice in employing and working with disabled people.

Reply
  • over 9 years ago

    06/03/2013

    The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has been ordered to pay
    a woman with Asperger's syndrome a total of £70,000 after an
    employment tribunal found it to be guilty of disability
    discrimination.

    The Business Disability Forum has reported that the tribunal, held
    in Dundee, heard how the woman was asked to return to work but felt
    that a breakdown in trust and confidence led to high levels of
    anxiety which she was unable to overcome.

    The DWP was judged to have subjected the claimant to harassment due
    to her Asperger's. The syndrome, which is a form of autism, shows
    no outward signs but can cause difficulties in social communication
    and interaction.

    Many people with Asperger's syndrome have a variety of skills that
    enable them to thrive in a variety of roles. However, they are
    often disadvantaged when it comes to securing employment because of
    their difficulties with social skills.

    The National Autistic Society said that many employers do not
    realise that people with some autism spectrum disorders, such as
    Asperger's syndrome, can be highly skilled and qualified as well as
    being extremely employable.

    The tribunal initially awarded damages to the claimant of £54,000
    as compensation for constructive unfair dismissal and disability
    discrimination. In a further hearing, another £17,500 was ordered
    to be paid by the DWP for failing to comply with a re-employment
    ruling.

    Judge Ian McFatridge said that the DWP had "treated the claimant
    extremely badly".

    "We were required to take into account the fact that the claimant
    is psychologically unable to return to work with the respondents
    and that this is something which has been brought on by the
    respondents’ treatment of her," he explained.

    A DWP spokesperson said that it acknowledged the tribunal’s
    findings and works hard to ensure that it achieves its commitments
    to good practice in employing and working with disabled people.

Children
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