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<p>Over a number of years employment data on people with specific long term health
conditions has been collected by the Office for National Statistics using the Labour
Force Survey. This important survey has allowed the Department to produce useful time
series statistics on the employment rates of individuals with long term health conditions,
where this information is collected. The Labour Force Survey includes a large range
of health conditions that survey respondents can report they experience; however this
does not currently include autism as one of the named health conditions and there
are no plans to begin collecting this data.</p><p> </p><p>DWP is working with Autism
Alliance UK on a national training programme for Jobcentre Plus staff (so that they
can better support claimants with autism into work). In addition, the Department has
helped to develop a Disability Passport - About Me - to support disabled people, including
those with autism, who are seeking jobs and those helping them. Disabled people can
share it with their work coach or adviser, to help improve communication and put any
reasonable adjustments in place at the earliest opportunity.</p><p> </p><p>Additionally,
Improving Lives – the Work, Health and Disability Green Paper sets out the Government’s
proposals for improving work and health outcomes for disabled people and people with
long-term health conditions. We are now considering consultation responses and the
next steps for longer term reform.</p>
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