Social inclusion through employment: the marketisation of employment support for people with learning disabilities in the United Kingdom

Abstract

Employment for people with learning difficulties is considered key to their social inclusion. This contradicts the perceived un-employability of people with learning difficulties that has been part of their social identities throughout their history hitherto. The national rate of employment for people with learning difficulties remains extremely low and has barely changed in the 20 years between 1990 and 2010. This paper investigates links between learning disabilities and employment, drawing on interview-based research. It analyses the quality of experience of the minority in employment to consider whether employment can serve the inclusive purpose expected of it.

Keywords:

• learning
• disability
• employment
• identities
• cultures

Notes

1. From www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/05/05/2011/116730/quality-versus-cost-a-brief-history-of-outsourcing-in-adult-social-care.htm (accessed May 18, 2011).

2. From www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk (accessed August, 2009).

3. From http://www.dwp.gov.uk/supplying-dwp/what-we-buy/welfare-to-work-services/specialist-disability-employment/ (accessed April 7, 2010).

4. From http://www.base-uk.org/news/index.htm (accessed April 3, 2010).

5. From www.radstats.org.uk/no071/article2.htm (accessed December, 2010).

6. From http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Browse/Health/TrendLearningDisabilities (accessed September 18, 2012).