Leeds SEND Employment Forum

As part of the Inclusive Growth Leeds programme, the Employment & Skills Service have launched the Leeds SEND Employment Forum.

Leeds SEND Employment Forum supports pathways into employment for people with special educational needs and/or disabilities. The statistics for adults with a learning disability and autism known to adult social care, have remained consistently low across the country in recent years. 

The latest figures published in October 2022 show the employment rate for people with a learning disability has fallen to just 4.8%.

The new forum will bring together a wide range of organisations who can offer their time, knowledge and expertise to help improve employment opportunities for young people with special educational needs and disabilities. This includes:

• Parents and carers 
• Education support services
• Health and social care
• Schools
• Colleges, training providers and other supported internship providers
• Local voluntary and community sector organisations
• Employers 
• Young people

Members are able to listen to speakers providing information on supported internships and on employment opportunities for young people with special educational needs and disabilities. An action plan has been developed and members will be invited to contribute their ideas and resources.