Wednesday 6 February 2013

Richard Wilson: supports call for autism workplace support

'Merlin' star Richard Wilson in call for autism workplace support
The One Foot In The Grave actor wants people with the condition to be helped into employment after it was revealed only 15 per cent of those with autism are in full-time employment.

Richard Wilson delivered copies of the report to MSP Mark MacDonald
Richard Wilson delivered copies of the report to MSP Mark MacDonald

Actor Richard Wilson has called for people with autism to be given greater support to enter the world of work.
The star of Merlin and One Foot In The Grave made the demand as it was revealed that only around one in six people with the condition (15%) are in full-time employment.
Wilson is an ambassador for National Autistic Society (NAS) Scotland, which says large numbers of people on the autism spectrum have university degrees but are given only part-time or low-paid jobs.
Campaigners want to raise awareness among employers of the benefits people with autism can typically bring to a workplace, such as attention to detail and an ability to cope well with routine.
Speaking outside the Scottish Parliament, Wilson said: "A lot of people are telling me that they're not getting any support, especially in the realm of employment. Because communication is one of the problems for autistic people, very often the workplace doesn't understand autism, doesn't recognise it.
"A lot of autistic people could work very happily if they were given the right circumstances and the right job. Very often they've got special skills. It would be a real help if employers could understand it better."
The actor spoke as he launched a report compiled by the charity, containing recommendations to improve the lives of the 50,000 people in Scotland who have autism.
Read more at Daily Record

Also reported by BBC 

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