Learning disability employment rates fall to 5.6%

The 2019-20 Adult Social Care Outcomes Framework (ASCOF) figures for England were published today and show a mixed picture. We've posted the annual report and a spreadsheet of the disaggregated local authority rates at www.base-uk.org/employment-rates

Rates have risen again for adults in contact with mental services and now stand at 9% but the learning disability figure has fallen again, this time to 5.6%. This is very disappointing news and reflects the lack of support available to support people with learning disabilities into work. We really need DWP to take a lead on this issue and fund appropriate support in line with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (Article 27).

Learning disability employment rates

Learning disability employment rates have been on a downward trend year on year [Indicator 1E] and the latest figures for 2019-20 show another drop after a brief upturn in 2017-18. 

In 2019-20, 5.6% of adults with learning disabilities aged 18-64 and known to Councils with Adult Social Services Responsibilities (CASSRs) were in paid employment. The gender breakdown is male 6.2%, female 4.8%.

Rates varied from 7% in London to 3.6% in the East Midlands. Rates vary widely between local authorities. Hounslow has the highest rates at 26.8% though there is increasing concern about the reliability of these figures because of the complex definition. Five local authorities have employment rates of less than 1%.

 

Mental health employment rates

In 2019-20, 9% of adults aged 18-69 in contact with secondary mental health services were known to be in paid employment at the time of their assessment or latest review [Indicator 1F]. This is a an increase of 1% on last year's figures and shows a general upward trend since the NHS investment in IPS services. The gender breakdown is male 8%, female 11%. Rates varied from 17% in London to 5% in the North West.