Episode Notes

In this episode, Hannah Randolph is joined by Chirsty McFadyen who leads on our learning disabilities employment research. Hannah and Chirsty discuss the Equality Act and its implementation issues, as well as some of our latest findings from speaking to employers.

We are also joined by Liam Brown, Entrepreneurial Executive at Young Enterprise Scotland, who discussed his neurodivergent condition and how language has impacted his experiences of employment.

Learning disabilities research by the Fraser of Allander Institute can be found at the following link: https://fraserofallander.org/research/adults-with-learning-disabilities-in-scotland/

Our report prepared for the Scottish Parliament on the disability employment gap can be found at: https://digitalpublications.parliament.scot/ResearchBriefings/Report/2024/1/12/434f4dc4-caa1-4971-b5f3-7699e70ec1ff

Participants

Chirsty McFadyen, Economics Associate, Fraser of Allander Institute, University of Strathclyde

Hannah Randolph, Economics Fellow, Fraser of Allander Institute, University of Strathclyde

Liam Brown, Entrepreneurial Executive, Young Enterprise Scotland

Timestamps

(0:00) Introduction

(00:14) What is the equality act and how does it define disability?

(02:04) What was the reason for having the legislation?

(03:46) What have been some of the issues with it?

Interview with Liam Brown (06:45)

(14:26) Learning disabilities and employers research findings

(24:14) What advice works for employers hiring people with learning disabilities?