Agenda item

County Councillor Sue Whittam, Lead Member for Health, Paul Lee, Director of Adult Care and Provider Services, Charlotte Hammond, Head of Service Learning Disability Autism, Nicola Clear, Head of Service Disability and Gillian Collins, Service Manager attended  the meeting to provide information and partake in a discussion on supporting people with learning disabilities into employment.

The report circulated with the agenda pack provided information on the progress made in relation to the Department for Work and Pensions Local Supported Employment (LSE) programme and update on next steps including integrating it into a mainstream offer. It was noted that Lancashire County Council Adult Social Care supported 4,200 people with learning disabilities and supporting people into employment was underpinned by the county council's duties under The Care Act 2014. It was further noted that Lancashire County Council were one of 23 authorities piloting the 'Employment Trailblazer' programme.

The Chair invited questions from the committee and a summary is outlined below:

·  It was highlighted that part of the employment support service offer was educating employers, including that employers had a duty to make reasonable adjustments in the workplace under employment law. In the long term, it was noted that if an individual had gained paid employment and support from the employment team had concluded, 'Access to Work' also provided additional support in the workplace and individuals can contact Adult Social Care at any point.

·  Regarding the estimated 30,000 people in Lancashire living with a learning disability, members queried if Adult Social Care had information on these 30,000 individuals. It was highlighted to the committee that this figure was based on population data and specifically referred to individuals not known to Adult Social Care. It was noted that many individuals living with a learning disability or autism gained successful employment without any intervention from the council. 

·  The committee asked for clarification on how  Adult Social Care services provided by the county council are promoted and communicated to the public. It was explained that anyone receiving support from any Adult Social Care service would have a review annually of their support and if appropriate, they could receive support into employment. It was agreed  that further work could be undertaken to review how the service was promoted online and within the community, to ensure individuals were aware of the service.

·  Members queried how information regarding employment support was made available to young people with disabilities, specifically before they were 18. It was highlighted that the transitions team liaised with young people with disabilities, those in our care or those known to social services to provide information specifically about employment and support into employment. It was noted that Lancashire County Council also offered supported internships and apprenticeships whilst the service attended open evenings at schools and colleges on a regular basis.

·  The committee were informed that there was no unit cost for the programme and no set timescale, this varied as each person's needs were different. It was highlighted that the 'Connect to Work' programme would commence in late 2025 and would calculate a unit cost to support someone into employment, with a target of 30% of participants gaining employment. It was highlighted the service currently supported 45% of participants into employment.

·  The committee queried how they could support the services work. It was further queried who the main employers were across Lancashire involved with the service. Members were informed that liaising and encouraging employers to be involved with the service was imperative. It was confirmed that information regarding employers across Lancashire could be brought back to and circulated to the committee at a later date.

·  In regard to people not in employment or training, the committee queried how the service reached these individuals. The committee were informed that there were a large number of people not known to the service however they may be accessing another county council service (e.g. day services, supported living facilities). It was highlighted that social workers promoted the service to these Service Users where they thought appropriate, as well as communicating with parents and carers.

·  The committee queried if collaborative work was being undertaken with district councils to ensure they were aware of the support available to their residents. Members were informed that the service did work with some district councils and information could be provided at a later date regarding all of the employment support available by district councils in Lancashire.

·  Members queried if the service worked with any other organisations to support this work. It was confirmed that there were no formal contracts with other organisations. It was highlighted that the employment rate in Lancashire for people with learning disabilities was in line with the national average.

·  Regarding the estimated 30,000 people living with a learning disability in Lancashire, the committee queried if the service had the capacity to support all these individuals if requested. It was highlighted to members that the 4,200 adults with learning disabilities were eligible to receive support under The Care Act 2014. It was confirmed that the service did not have capacity for 30,000 extra Service Users. 

·  It was clarified to members that the individuals accessing the programme were able to enter employment, however, many Service Users with learning disabilities had complex needs and employment was not suitable.

Resolved: That

(i)  A bite size briefing be provided to all councillors on the employment support available to people with learning difficulties.

(ii)  Further work be undertaken to review how the service offer is communicated and promoted and how employers are engaged to raise awareness and how councillors can support, especially with regards to the upcoming 'Connect to Work'.