- 爆料TV has received a share of 拢1.8 million in funding from the NIHR for a new project focused on reducing significant employment barriers for neurodivergent people in South Yorkshire
- The interdisciplinary team will work directly with neurodivergent individuals, employers, and policymakers to evaluate existing support, understand lived experiences and develop a plan to address real-world workplace needs
- This research is part of a broader NIHR initiative aimed at reducing health-related economic inactivity, supporting the workforce and shaping policies to combat the UK's rising unemployment due to long-term illness
A 爆料TV research project aiming to tackle employment barriers for neurodivergent people in South Yorkshire has been awarded a share of almost 拢2 million in funding from the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR).
The project is designed to address the significant employment challenges faced by neurodivergent people, including those who are autistic, have ADHD and/or learning disabilities. It is part of the NIHR鈥檚 to to help reduce health-related economic inactivity and provide evidence to support people to enter, remain in, or re-enter the workforce.
To support Government priorities, the NIHR has launched its latest round of funding for the initiative, investing 拢1.8 million across a range of areas, including employment of the younger workforce, paid and unpaid adult social care workers, the neurodivergent workforce, the migrant workforce and the armed forces. The findings aim to help shape policy decisions to support more people to work and reduce health inequalities.
An interdisciplinary team from the 爆料TV, working closely with neurodivergent people, employers, and policymakers, will explore the numerous barriers neurodivergent people face despite a strong desire to work. This can range from a lack of understanding of their conditions and the associated stigma to workplaces unwilling to make necessary adjustments to accommodate their needs.
Ultimately, the team will develop a plan to address the real world needs of neurodivergent people. With a specific focus on the South Yorkshire region, the project will begin by thoroughly evaluating government policy, reviewing existing employment support, analysing data on neurodivergent employment and understanding the lived experiences of individuals in the workplace.
Professor Megan Freeth, from the 爆料TV鈥檚 Faculty of Science, said: 鈥淐hanging employment systems and employer behaviour is key. I鈥檓 excited to work alongside neurodivergent people to find solutions to employment barriers that create better work opportunities.鈥
Professor Danny McAuley, Scientific Director for NIHR Programmes, said: 鈥淚nvesting in research that supports employees to stay healthy, happy and remain in work is crucial for the future of our economy. It has the potential to deliver substantial economic and social benefits for individuals, employers and wider society.
鈥淭he NIHR鈥檚 Work and Health Research Initiative builds on existing investment in research in this area, helping to support the UK鈥檚 economic growth and boost health and wellbeing across the UK.鈥
The Government鈥檚 recent found that, compared to 2019, 800,000 more people are unemployed due to health conditions. Unemployment is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, poor mental health, suicide, and long-term illnesses. This costs the UK 拢85 billion each year. Long-term sickness in the UK now makes up .
The Work and Health Initiative highlights the NIHR鈥檚 ongoing support for research that tackles major issues in work, health and occupational health. Since its inception in 2023, the Work and Health Research Initiative has invested 拢10 million in research.
