300,000 Learning Disabled Adults Shut Out Of Job Market, says Hft

Learning disability charity Hft has declared a “city’s-worth of talent” is being needlessly shut out of the job market – and is calling on UK employers to give learning disabled people a chance.

The charity’s analysis of Mencap and population data for Learning Disability Week (15 -21 June) suggests at least 300,000 learning disabled adults want to work but are being denied a chance.

That is equivalent to the population of cities such as Salford, Wolverhampton or Southampton.

As of May 2026, there were over 700,000 job vacancies in the UK, yet a vast pool of available talent is currently being ignored. Hft supports learning disabled adults into work through its supported employment and internships programmes.

Becky Speight, Chief Operating Officer at Hft, said: “It’s outrageous that so many learning disabled adults who want to work are being shut out of the job market. These are brilliant people with talent and desire being denied a reasonable opportunity to contribute to our society.

“This situation can be reversed. That’s why, this Learning Disability Week, we are calling upon UK employers to make a simple pledge: to give a learning disabled adult a chance.

“Employment is part of a good, and ordinary, life. At Hft, we believe everyone deserves the opportunity to find and keep a job, and our Supported Employment work helps people build the skills, confidence and experience to make that happen.”

Learning disability is not one-size-fits-all. Like non-disabled people, learning disabled people have different strengths, interests and support needs, and with the right support many go on to make valued contributions across a wide range of roles and industries.

UK employers from any sector are being asked to pledge their support to help a learning disabled person. Simply email: media.enquiries@hft.org.uk with your name, company and contact details and we will set up a conversation with our Support Employment team.