- The University of Sheffield has received a share of £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 University of Sheffield research project aiming to tackle employment barriers for neurodivergent people in South Yorkshire has been awarded a share of almost £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's Work and Health Research Initiative 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 £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 University of Sheffield, 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 University of Sheffield's Faculty of Science, said: "Changing employment systems and employer behaviour is key. I'm excited to work alongside neurodivergent people to find solutions to employment barriers that create better work opportunities."
Professor Danny McAuley, Scientific Director for NIHR Programmes, said: "Investing 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.
"The NIHR's Work and Health Research Initiative builds on existing investment in research in this area, helping to support the UK's economic growth and boost health and wellbeing across the UK."
The Government's recent Keep Britain Working Review 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 £85 billion each year. Long-term sickness in the UK now makes up 30% of total economic inactivity.
The Work and Health Initiative highlights the NIHR's 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 £10 million in research.
