DWP autism, ADHD and mental health update as it confirms 4 ‘support’ programmes

DWP autism, ADHD and mental health update as it confirms 4 ‘support’ programmes The DWP has confirmed details of four schemes to support workers with mental health conditions and neurodiversity The DWP has revealed details of four schemes designed to support people with mental health conditions and autism, ADHD and neurodiversity. The Department for Work and Pensions has been pressed by an MP to outline what steps it is taking to support workers' mental health. The DWP has now responded with an update detailing the available support. DWP minister Sir Stephen Timms replied to a question from Labour MP for Caerphilly, Chris Evans, to explain four key initiatives designed to help get people into work and keep them there. The aim is to support people with mental health issues and neurodiversity - such as autism and ADHD. Last year, the government said the employment rate for disabled people with autism was just 31% compared to 54.7% for all disabled people. Sir Stephen said there were four steps that could help get more such people into work and help them stay there. These are: - the Disability Confident scheme, - the Access to Work grant, - the Keep Britain Working programme - and the Support with Employee Health and Disability service He spelt out how each one supports those dealing with mental health and neurodiversity issues in the workplace. He said: "Employers play an important role in supporting the mental health and wellbeing of their workforce. The Government provides a range of initiatives to support employers and employees, including those who experience mental health conditions in the workplace. "The Disability Confident scheme operates across the UK, including in Wales, and supports employers to recruit, retain and develop disabled people and people with long-term health conditions. The scheme aims to increase employer confidence, awareness and understanding of disability in the workplace and to encourage more inclusive employment practices. "Well over 1,000 employers registered with Disability Confident are based in Wales. A list of employers participating in the scheme, including their membership level, is published monthly on GOV.UK." He then discussed available grants. "The Access to Work grant provides personalised support and workplace assessments, travel to work assistance, support workers, and specialist aids and equipment," he said. "Access to Work also includes the Mental Health Support Service which can provide up to nine months of non-clinical support for people who need additional help with their wellbeing whilst in employment. "The Government also offers tailored guidance to employers on supporting disabled people and people with health conditions in the workplace, through its Support with Employee Health and Disability service. This includes guidance on disclosure and having conversations about health and disability, plus guidance on legal obligations and making reasonable adjustments." The minister proceeded to outline support for neurodivergent employees in detail. His comments followed a report published last month aimed at increasing workplace participation for people with neurodiversity, supporting them in their roles and helping them progress in their careers, reports Wales Online. DWP support for neurodivergent people Sir Stephen said: "More broadly, the Department is also working to improve understanding and inclusion of neurodivergent people in the workplace. While neurodivergence is not in itself a mental health condition, neurodivergence often overlaps with other conditions, including mental health challenges, and understanding these overlaps is important for providing effective support, including in the workplace. In 2025, DWP established an independent advisory panel of academics with expertise and lived experience of neurodiversity to consider these issues and advise on improving neurodiversity awareness and inclusion at work. "The panel's findings, alongside the Department's response, were published on 2 October 2026 and we continue to work with employers and stakeholders to understand how the report's recommendations can be translated into practical action that improves recruitment, retention and progression for neurodivergent people in the workplace." He concluded by addressing a significant government initiative aimed at bringing 'economically inactive' individuals back into employment. He said: "Keep Britain Working is working with employers across the UK, including the devolved nations, to improve support for workers with mental health conditions. We meet regularly with Welsh Government officials to explore how the Keep Britain Working agenda can join up with Welsh programmes and services in support of healthy workplaces in Wales. "Through its Vanguard Phase, the programme is testing and refining approaches that help people with long-term mental health conditions stay in and thrive in work. Keep Britain Working is also developing an employer-facing standard with the British Standards Institution and exploring Workplace Health Provision to provide practical work and health support and advice for employers." Further information on Access to Work is available here. The Disability Confident scheme can be accessed via this website. Keep Britain Working guidance can be found here. For additional details about the Support with Employee Health and Disability service, visit the official website.