Employ Autism scheme launch

Autistic people struggling to find work in Salford will be getting a boost from a new employment scheme.

TV and broadband provider TalkTalk have teamed up with national charity Ambitious about Autism to create an innovative programme for young autistic people looking for work.

The “Employ Autism” campaign aims to prepare 10,000 people for the workplace by 2022 by providing advice and work experience.

Since its formation, the initiative has gained many supporters, including journalist, Jon Snow, and human rights charity CHANGE.

Other prominent businesses attended the meeting yesterday, including representatives from the BBC and ITV.

Salford City Mayor, Paul Dennett at the Employ Autism meeting (C) SalfordBusiness on Twitter

TalkTalk’s chief executive, Tristia Harrison hopes that their influence will “encourage other leading businesses to follow suit” across the North West.

In the UK, only 16 per cent of autistic adults are in full-time employment. With the number of people diagnosed with autism in Salford expected to rise to almost 4’000 by 2027, the scheme is expected to be valuable.

Salford mayor, Paul Dennett, stated that he was “excited” to work with the two.

He said: “It is fantastic to hear Talk Talk’s plans for the Ambitious about Autism programme and showcasing the work they are doing to promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace to other businesses.”

To find out more or support the campaign, go to Ambitious about Autism’s website here or visit their Twitter: @AmbitiousAutism 

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