An area in Berkshire has seen their employment rates soar for people with learning disabilities despite a drastic fall in neighbouring towns.

In a recent study by PHA, it is shown that 20% of people with learning disabilities in Wokingham are in paid employment. A significant 13% above the average in the South East.

Despite the figures decreasing in certain parts of the country, some dropping to as low as 0.4%, numbers in Wokingham have been steadily rising since 2015.

Paid employment levels went from 12.5% in 2014/15 to 20% in 2020/21.

Although employment for people with additional needs in the UK is at an all-time low, a local Wokingham charity has claimed that working within the community is the key to the success and their rising figures.

The charity ‘Promise Inclusion’ is an organisation that has been extremely influential in supporting the development of individuals with learning disabilities in the area. It provides emotional support and practical support to both individuals and their careers, and the practical support could be helping with employment either for the carer themselves or the person with the learning disability.

CEO of Promise Inclusion, Mary Durman said: “We employ people with learning disabilities, so we’ve always been proactive in that in that we employ people and set a good example.

“I would say that Wokingham has always had a very strong learning disability partnership board.

“We facilitate the partnership board which involves the council working with statuatory and voluntary organisations. We all work together to ensure the right services are in place and the right school is in place for people with additional needs.”

Paid employment provides crucial opportunities for independence and improved confidence for those with a learning disability.

The figures have prompted experts to call for employers and other local authorities to assess the accessibility of online recruitment processes, home working practices, and mental health support.

Ash Higgs, Director of MCG Healthcare, added:

“Even though the market appears to be improving now, the pandemic has obviously left many people unemployed. For people with learning disabilities though, losing a job – or being unable to find one – can severely dent confidence and deprive individuals of chances to make personal progress. It’s about much more than money.

“Our nurses see, at first hand, just how fulfilled some people with learning disabilities are by their jobs. We aim to give people as much independence as possible, and work plays a huge part in that, giving people a sense of control and achievement.”