Employability in Scotland

It is recognised that disabled people and those with long-term health conditions, learning disabilities or mental health issues can face particular and complex barriers to sustained employment, such as stigma and discrimination or lack of confidence and skills. These barriers to work result in low levels of employment: around less than one in ten people with a learning disability are in employment; around 20% of people with mental health issues, and 47% for all people declaring a disability as defined by the Disability Discrimination Act.

To promote a fairer and more inclusive society it is vital to tackle these inequitable employment rates and support people with disabilities into sustained work.

Supported employment is the approach which has been found to be effective, particularly for people with learning disabilities; and a similar approach – Individualised Placement and Support (IPS) has a strong evidence base for people with mental health issues.

What is Supported Employment?