Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Tom Gordon has called for urgent action to ensure autistic people receive the right support to get into work and succeed in their careers.
The plea came during a parliamentary debate on Employment Opportunities for Autistic Adults.
Speaking in Westminster Hall, Tom highlighted the experiences shared with him by the Harrogate branch of the National Autistic Society (NAS), who described the ongoing barriers many autistic people face - from inaccessible recruitment processes to a lack of understanding in workplaces.
Tom said that too many autistic adults are being locked out of work, not because they lack ability, but because the systems around them are too rigid and under-resourced.
He told MPs:
“I’ve heard from local families and from autistic adults themselves about the sheer difficulty of finding and keeping work.
“People who are ready, able and motivated to work are being shut out by recruitment practices that don’t fit them, and by support systems that are slow, confusing and often don’t understand autism at all.”
Tom shared anonymised stories from Harrogate NAS members, including one woman who left her job after being bullied, and another who gave up applying altogether because of repeated knock-backs and a lack of workplace understanding.
He said better support must be available before, during and after employment, with a joined-up approach that connects education, skills and workplace inclusion.
He said:
“If we want autistic adults to thrive in work, we have to start much earlier.
“That means getting SEND right - identifying needs early, training teachers properly, and making sure young people grow up knowing that their difference is a strength, not a disadvantage.”
Tom also raised concerns about delays and inconsistency in the Government’s Access to Work programme, which he described as “unfit for purpose”.
He said that many autistic people lose job opportunities simply because support isn’t provided on time or isn’t tailored to their needs.
He called for reforms to create a more flexible, trusted system - one that listens to autistic people and works at their pace.
Tom added:
“Autistic people don’t need to change who they are to fit the system. We need to build systems that fit people - from school through to employment.
“With understanding, flexibility and the right support, autistic adults can and do thrive in every sector of our economy. We just need to give them the fair chance they deserve.”
Monthly IT support clinic for elderly people launched in Harrogate
Harrogate College celebrates milestone as new campus takes shape
Children are taking over the Leeds station tannoy this weekend – here's why
Vernon Kay joins lineup for Harrogate's Symphonic Ibiza event
Campaign opposing wind farm on edge of Yorkshire Dales gathers pace
Bed Race organisers appeal for volunteer litter pickers
Have you seen this wanted Harrogate woman?
Anti-knife crime author wins national award
Police appeal after fight outside Harrogate McDonald's
Harrogate MP speaks out for SEND children in Parliament
Meet the Ripon healer looking to retain 'best in Yorkshire' crown
Ripon voted as Yorkshire's top market destination
Harrogate girls finish third in national football finals
New strategy to address decline of nature across North Yorkshire
Pride Party in the Park to be held in Knaresborough
Series of free concerts to start at Valley Gardens this weekend
New family support pilot to launch in Harrogate
Knaresborough pupil wins surprise tractor visit to school
Country pub near Harrogate to celebrate fifth birthday
Council-run Brierley Homes set to report £7.5m loss
