Autistic people offer employers both a new pool of talent, and a greater diversity of thought within a workforce and teams. That is the message of two new guides launched in Greater Manchester.
Local social enterprise, Unlimited Potential, has published Fulfilling Your Potential – a guide for autistic people – and Untapped Potential – a guide for local employers.
“Autistic people have a very low level of employment – estimated to be only around 21.7%”, said Chris Dabbs, Chief Executive of Unlimited Potential. “Yet they have a wealth of specific strengths and skills on which many employers are missing out.”
Employing autistic people well in the right roles brings employers improved productivity, reduced staff turnover and reduced sickness absence across their workforce. Good employment offers many benefits for autistic people, such as more confidence, purpose and friendship.
“Neurodiversity within a workforce offers new insights and creativity, leading to new solutions”, said Mr. Dabbs. “It is why employers such as GCHQ, EY and Autotrader actively recruit and retain neurodiverse people.”
The project was funded by NHS Salford Clinical Commissioning Group and Salford City Council, with support from Salford CVS, alongside a reinvestment of profits by Unlimited Potential itself.
“Salford CVS was thrilled to award Unlimited Potential a grant through the Big Ideas Fund 2022, which was designed to support transformative projects that will have a lasting legacy and help create a healthier, fairer, greener Salford. Congratulations to Chris and his team for all their great work.
These guides will be an invaluable resource for employers looking to diversify their workforce and autistic people looking to make the most of their skills and talents for many years to come.” - Ella Bulbeck, Grants Coordinator for Salford CVS (you can read the Big Ideas Fund report HERE)
Both guides are available free from the project page on the Unlimited Potential website.