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NAS- Zero Hour Contracts, 'encouraged' for those on the spectrum... did anyone think this through?

KaloJaro

Sorry guys, but I'd love to have someone from the NAS respond to this one for the sheer contradiction of this job post I found.

I'm a graduate with Aspergers looking for work to fund a trip abroad while I still feel confident enough to try new things, and stumbled across this on a job forum:

Support Worker The National Autistic Society (NAS) - South West

We are the charity for the 700,000 people in the UK with autism and their families. We provide information, support and pioneering services, and campaign for a better and fairer world for people with autism.

We are looking for flexible, enthusiastic, caring people who can join and support the amazing work done by the support workers at the National Autistic Society in the South West of England.

The successful applicants must be able to work on their own, as part of a small team and with other professional agencies. There may also be occasions when it will be necessary to represent individuals and the NAS.

Experience is not essential as we will provide you with full training and support to ensure you reach your full potential. The most important skills you can bring to us are initiative, patience, understanding, compassion and a genuine enthusiasm for wanting to help and support others.

Being a zero hours worker means that you have an agreement with The National Autistic Society to work on a casual basis to cover as and when the service requires it. There are no normal or guaranteed hours. Work is offered on an "ad hoc" basis and you are free to accept or decline any such offer. Work offered will be offered and paid on an hourly basis. Whilst there is no obligation for bank workers to accept any offer of work with us, if you do then you are expected to attend for duty as agreed between you and the relevant manager.

  • Applications for this job are sought from all suitably qualified sections of the community but particularly welcome from those with a diagnosis of autism or Asperger syndrome.

  • The NAS is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and adults who use our services and as such expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

  • Charity number 269425 (England and Wales); SC039427 (Scotland)


For a charity that's supposed to have a good understanding of those on the spectrum, surely they should realise how hypocritical it is to ask someone on the spectrum to work a zero hours contract?

I'm very confused about this, anyone got any idea how this could make sense?

Parents

  • Longman beat me to it.

    While I personally disagree (strongly oppose) zero hour contracts, I do accept and understand that there are people who are better suited to such things.

    My issue is (as Longman said) with the job description apparently directed at those on the autistic spectrum.

    As others have already said, flexibility and autism do not mix. Not for a career at least.


    Ideally I would like someone to review the original post and explain why they feel the statement 'encouraging those on the autistic spectrum to apply' is appropriate on a zero hours contract.

    Furthermore, there are no 'fixed' contracts available anywhere in the local (and not so local) area. There are no numbers to call on the website for someone on the spectrum to enquire more about the job posted (should they feel up to it), and overall it just seems like the statement was thrown in to the job description to give the impression that the charity is 'inclusive'.

    Again, the fact that this is a charity for those on the autistic spectrum is the main issue. If you can't understand how hypocritical the Job post is with that phrasing, how can you claim to be a charity who's members 'understand' those on the spectrum?

    (I realise that a vast majority of employees for the NAS are well trained and sensitive to the needs of those on the spectrum, I only wish to elaborate that it's important to maintain such standards across the board)

Reply

  • Longman beat me to it.

    While I personally disagree (strongly oppose) zero hour contracts, I do accept and understand that there are people who are better suited to such things.

    My issue is (as Longman said) with the job description apparently directed at those on the autistic spectrum.

    As others have already said, flexibility and autism do not mix. Not for a career at least.


    Ideally I would like someone to review the original post and explain why they feel the statement 'encouraging those on the autistic spectrum to apply' is appropriate on a zero hours contract.

    Furthermore, there are no 'fixed' contracts available anywhere in the local (and not so local) area. There are no numbers to call on the website for someone on the spectrum to enquire more about the job posted (should they feel up to it), and overall it just seems like the statement was thrown in to the job description to give the impression that the charity is 'inclusive'.

    Again, the fact that this is a charity for those on the autistic spectrum is the main issue. If you can't understand how hypocritical the Job post is with that phrasing, how can you claim to be a charity who's members 'understand' those on the spectrum?

    (I realise that a vast majority of employees for the NAS are well trained and sensitive to the needs of those on the spectrum, I only wish to elaborate that it's important to maintain such standards across the board)

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