Only one in five adults with Down's syndrome is in paid employment, despite two thirds of those who are not working wanting a job, a charity survey revealed today.
The research from the Down's Syndrome Association (DSA) is part of the charity's campaign to highlight that capable adults with the genetic condition are being overlooked by potential employers.
Many respondents said they felt let down by employment support services, or thought that potential employers could not see past their disability, according to the DSA.
The survey found 20% of adults aged 18 to 60 with Down's syndrome were in paid employment - nearly four times less than the general population of working age.
More than a quarter (26%) were doing voluntary work, either through choice or because they had not found paid employment.
Over half were not working at all, either on a voluntary or paid basis.
Carol Boys, chief executive of the DSA, said adults with Down's syndrome should have the same choices and chances as the rest of the population.
"Paid employment will not be suitable for everyone, but for those who want to work, the opportunities should be available without seemingly endless barriers," she said.
"Young adults with Down's syndrome today are rightfully leaving school with the same hopes, dreams and expectations as their peers and all too often find that doors are closed to them.
"We have to change employers' attitudes and preconceptions, as well as making it easier for them to access this potential workforce.
"With appropriate training and support, people with Down's syndrome can and do make a huge contribution to their workplace."
Patricia McDonald, mother of 27-year-old Michael who has Down's syndrome, said: "I have written to various large retail outlets on Michael's behalf. I have explained that he has done work experience in retail in the past, and is more than capable of stacking shelves or packing bags. He has his own personal assistant funded by his Independent Living Fund (ILF) so they wouldn't need to provide the extra support themselves.
"I only wanted an opportunity for him to do further work experience at first, I wasn't even asking for paid employment. Most companies didn't even bother to reply, and those that did said a firm 'no', with no offer to keep an application on file or to get back in touch if something came up."
Employers who have successfully recruited someone with Down's syndrome have noted benefits such as improved staff morale, reduced staff turnover, improved staff attendance, access to an untapped pool of labour and a positive corporate image, DSA said.
Television production company Lime Pictures, inspired by the DSA's employment campaign, have taken on new recruit Yvonne Weaver, who has Down's syndrome, as a post room assistant.
With support from the Shaw Trust employment agency, Ms Weaver decided to have a four-week trial period working one day a week to ensure that it was the right move for both parties. She now works two days a week and is a valued member of the team.
The DSA offers training for employers considering recruiting someone with Down's syndrome and those who already have a member of staff with the condition and would like further support.
Source: Press Association, 04/06/2007
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
