Employment prospects for neurodiverse people set to be boosted with launch of new expert panel

PEOPLE who are neurodiverse will benefit from better employment prospects and more inclusive workplaces thanks to the work and advice of a new expert panel was launched on:- Thursday, 30 January 2025.

The panel; headed up by Professor Amanda Kirby and comprising of leading academics in the neurodiversity field; will develop recommendations for ministers this summer, as part of the Government's:- 'Plan for Change,' which will put money back into people's pockets, boost living standards, and drive economic growth.

The latest employment figures demonstrate the stark reality for many, with the employment rate for disabled people with autism at 31% compared to 54.7% for all disabled people; highlighting a significant gap for some neurodiverse people.

The work of the panel will focus on what actions employers can take to foster a more inclusive workplace, but also what actions the Government can introduce to break down barriers to opportunity for people with a neurodiverse condition, such as autism.

Minister for Social Security and Disability, Sir Stephen Timms, said:- "For too long disabled people and those with a neurodiversity condition have been left behind, ignored, and not given the support they need to get into work. As part of our Plan for Change, we will turn this around, and with the expertise of these leading academics we will achieve our mission of supporting neurodivergent people into the workplace and reaching our 80% employment rate ambition."

Building on and broadening previous neurodiversity work, the panel met on:- 29 January 2025 for the 1st time to begin work on supporting the Government's drive to improve the employment experiences of neurodivergent people.

Chair of the Academic Panel, Professor Amanda Kirby, said:- "I'm delighted to chair this panel in what I see is an important and essential piece of work considering how we can drive forward neuroinclusive practices in workplaces to maximise the potential of all and make this become:- 'business as usual'"

This panel follows the launch of the Keep Britain Working review, led by Sir Charlie Mayfield, to explore how businesses and government can collaborate to unlock disabled talent.

The latest figures show the disability inactivity rate was 41.7% in Q3 2024, compared to 14.7% for non-disabled people. Improving the employment prospect of disabled people and helping them achieve independence is at the heart of the Government's health and disability reforms.

Building on our Get Britain Working White Paper, the Government will bring forward proposals in the spring to reform the welfare system to help people who can work secure employment.

The Government will work closely with charities, disabled people and people with health conditions to ensure their voices are at the centre of any policy changes which affect them and to move beyond a binary system of fit or not fit to work.

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Why ethical fish breeding is a must for Wirral Aquatics

WIRRAL aquatics shop, Wirral Aquatics, in Moreton, is leading the way in ethical fish breeding by sourcing the majority of their fish from selected UK breeders with the highest standards. The Moreton shop has gained a formidable reputation since opening in September 2024 and already has almost 10,000 social media followers.

Ran by passionate hobbyists, Wirral Aquatics features over 100 tanks of tropical fish for sale and aims to support UK breeders and give them a platform. With a wide and constantly revolving range of fish in stock, quality is at the forefront of everything they do and the source of the fish is essential to their ethics and values.

Owner Stephen Halsey has recently embarked upon a huge cross country trip to Portsmouth to collect from a UK breeder; returning with over 30 types of fish including:- Zebra Chinese Suckers, Salween Rock Catfish, Swordtails, various Tetras and many others. For Stephen it's vital to know and meet the breeders in order to keep his operation ethical.

Ethical breeding is not just about the health of the fish; it's about respecting their natural behaviours and ensuring their well being. This includes:- providing adequate space, proper nutrition, and avoiding overbreeding. Responsible sourcing of aquarium fish is also essential to prevent overexploitation of wild populations.

Stephen said:- "I initially started out as a hobbyist whilst I was in recovery from a horrific car crash and I was wheelchair bound. Fish were a great form of calming and therapy to me therefore I have a deep love and respect for them. When my hobby turned into my dream of owning my own aquatics shop, it was vital for me to recruit fellow hobbyists to join the team who shared the same passion and ethos. From breeding to looking after fish at home, we are all part of the process and share the responsibility of ensuring these living beings are looked after. The education and awareness of hobbyists are also vital therefore it's important that we are equipped to provide our customers with the tools and knowledge to give their fish the best lives possible."

Wirral Aquatics is based at 20 Upton Road, , and is open 6 days a week (closed Mondays) - stocking a revolving range of tropical fish, crabs, terrapins, reptiles, tanks, accessories, food and more. The shop is owned by extremely knowledgeable hobbyists and the team have a strong ethos and ethics towards breeding and keeping fish.