Council funding boost to help people with learning difficulties find jobs in Oxfordshire

Oxfordshire County Council has successfully applied to take part in the government’s Local Supported Employment scheme, and now the council will receive £320,000 over the next three years to help adults with learning disabilities, autism or both to move into competitive employment and provide the help they need to maintain that employment.

Oxfordshire will be one of 24 local authorities in England and Wales to be awarded a share of the grant that totals £7.6million. The funding will allow Oxfordshire Employment to expand its team of specialist advisors, which will enable people to develop their skills and find the jobs they want, helping them to settle in and offering longer-term support if needed.

The money will also be spent on providing an employment specialist to join the council’s moving into adulthood team, that helps younger people with learning disabilities and autism to take their first steps into the job market.

Cllr Tim Bearder, Oxfordshire County Council’s cabinet member for adult social care, said the funding will be benefit everyone, adding: “We are already leading the way in supporting adults with additional needs to find the right career path through the council’s Oxfordshire Employment programme. This funding will enable us to help even more people to secure meaningful jobs, giving them the ability to live independent lives while contributing to the future success of a local business.”

For more information visit Oxfordshire County Council's website.