People with Down’s syndrome and other learning disabilities say the lack of visible role models in the workplace is one of the biggest barriers to finding employment, according to a new survey that highlights the urgent need for greater inclusion in customer-facing roles.
While there are around 1.3 million people with learning disabilities in the UK, only 5 per cent are employed, a figure that has remained stubbornly low for years. But new research suggests that seeing others with similar conditions thriving in the workplace would significantly boost confidence and encourage more applications.
The poll, conducted by Savanta for the Hilton hotel group, found that three-quarters of respondents with learning disabilities would feel more confident applying for jobs if they saw people like themselves in hospitality roles. Yet just 16 per cent of those already in work said they had someone they could look up to with a similar disability in their workplace.
“When people with learning disabilities see others like themselves thriving in customer-facing roles, it inspires confidence and ambition,” said Mark Costello, principal at Aurora Foxes, a hospitality college for young people with learning disabilities.
The survey also polled 2,000 members of the general public, with over 90 per cent saying it was important to see people from diverse backgrounds — including those with learning disabilities — in visible frontline roles. Three-quarters of consumers felt that not enough people with learning disabilities were represented in the hospitality sector.
Support authors and subscribe to content
This is premium stuff. Subscribe to read the entire article.
