Helping young people reach their goals.
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Employment and training
People with a learning disability are more excluded from the workplace than any other group of disabled people.
Research shows 65% of people with a learning disability want to work, and that with the right support they make highly valued employees. However, only 1 in 10 people with a learning disability known to social services are currently in paid work, and even then it is often for part-time hours and low pay.
Mencap believes that:
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people with a learning disability should have access to good-quality further education and training
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people with a learning disability should be properly supported to get into work, and in the workplace
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more employers should take on people with a learning disability
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employers must pay people with a learning disability at least the national minimum wage for the work they do
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the government must make sure people with a learning disability benefit from welfare reform and changes to the benefit system.
Tell us your story about getting a job
Employing people with a learning disability
People with a learning disability have the same right to work as everyone else, but they find it much harder to get a job.
Minimum wage
People with a learning disability often receive little or no pay for work they do on an ongoing basis.
Support to get a job
Government disability employment programmes do not meet the needs of people with a learning disability.
Further education
Only 1 in 3 adults with a learning disability take part in any education or training - and cuts in funding are reducing this number even further.
Employment: Tim's story
With Mencap's support, Tim* started paid employment as a trolley porter.
Employment: Becky's story
Becky has been working for a large, well-known department store for nearly five years.
Employment: Nicky's story
Nicky wanted to get a job as a postman. He wanted to have a career and earn some money.
Mencap’s involvement with the Work Programme – Q&A
Find out about Mencap's involvement in the Government's Work Programme
Valuing Employment Now
We need your help to monitor standards of employment for people with a learning disability, to make sure 'Valuing Employment Now' becomes a reality.
