Mr Patsy McGlone (Mid Ulster): The Minister for Communities to detail any steps he is taking to support more
neurodivergent people into suitable employment.
Minister for Communities: My Department provides a range of tailored employment support to help neurodivergent people to find, enter and progress in work. This provision includes Workable (NI), Access to Work (NI), and the Condition Management Programme (CMP).
Support is also offered for neurodivergent people through our Jobs & Benefits offices, alongside support for employers to promote more inclusive recruitment and workplace practices. Local support is also available through our Labour Market Partnerships provision.
Dedicated quiet periods at regional job fairs have been introduced to provide a more accessible environment for neurodivergent people and others who may benefit from this level of support.
My Department is also leading a Transformation Project to design and test a more integrated Work and Health model for NI.
In addition, a new Disability and Work Strategy is being finalised, which will set a longer-term approach to improving employment outcomes for disabled people, people with health conditions, and neurodivergent people.
ENDS
