Clive Jones, the Liberal Democrat MP for Wokingham, has called on the Government to support local businesses providing employment for neurodiverse people.
In a speech given in Westminster Hall, Clive Jones raised the excellent work of the Kimel Cafe in Wokingham which provides supported employment for the local neurodivergent community.
The Kimel Cafe was opened to act as a first step into the workplace for neurodivergent young adults, acting as a supporting and safe space for employees to be themselves.
Clive Jones and Ed Davey, the leader of the Liberal Democrat Party, previously met with the Kimel Cafe’s founder Nic Lander to learn more about the incredible work the Cafe and staff do each day.
Places like the Kimel Cafe are essential in encouraging neurodivergent young people into work, as employment figures released by the Department for Work and Pensions suggest that the employment rate for those with a neurodiversity
condition stands at just 31%.
The Wokingham MP asked if the Government would agree that more businesses should be encouraged to employ neurodiverse individuals throughout the UK.
Liberal Democrat MP for Wokingham, Clive Jones said: “Businesses like Kimel Cafe are essential in ensuring that neurodiverse young people are included in our community in a supportive environment that helps to provide key skills and experience.
“I had the pleasure of visiting the Kimel Cafe in Wokingham last year, where I met with Nic and saw firsthand the incredible impact the business has had on its employees.
“That’s why I urged the Government to do more, as we must encourage businesses to follow in the footsteps of the Kimel Cafe, which continues to employ and support many neurodiverse members of our local community.”
