Jobcentre holds successful 'neurodiversity roadshow' job fair

The Neurodiversity Roadshow: L-R: Jo McIntosh (Skills and Engagement Advisor from Rochdale Local Authority), Jodie Salford-Brown (Disability Employment Advisor) and Eve Capstick (Youth Employability Coach)

A neurodiversity event for 18-25-year-olds was successfully held in July at the Rochdale Exchange Job Centre.

The Neurodiversity Roadshow on 14 July was a special job fair for those who are autistic or have other neurodiverse needs.

Referrals were made to all providers who attended and two job offers with Rochdale Boroughwide Housing. Other providers that attended were Action Together, Prince's Trust, TGC, Ingeus, PossAbilities, Access to Work, Rochdale AFC and Get Rochdale Working.

A Prince’s Trust spokesperson said: “The best part of the Roadshow was being able to see potential clients in a quiet, one to one setting. A smaller number of exhibitors allowed clients to visit a high proportion of them. It was a great environment and not overwhelming for the clients.”

On 10 August the Rochdale Exchange JCP Employer Hub held a retail and hospitality jobs fair. Over 80 customers attended with 54% of them walking away with interviews and job offers on the day.

Employers in attendance included Yates, The Regal Moon, Aldi and Avon.

In October the Jobcentre will hold a Disability Confident event. This will support local employers to sign up for the government scheme and for customers to get support to get into work and access vacancies with disability confident employers.

A Jobcentre spokesperson said: “Disability Confident is creating a movement of change, encouraging employers to think differently about disability and take action to improve how they recruit, retain and develop disabled people.

“Being Disability Confident is a unique opportunity to lead the way in your community, and you might just discover someone your business cannot do without.

“It was developed by employers and disabled people’s representatives to make it rigorous but easily accessible, particularly for smaller businesses.”

The Jobcentre’s next recruitment event will be taking place at the Crown Oil Arena on 13 September.

Employers who wish to attend are invited to speak to an Employer Advisor and send your request to ROCHDALE.EA@dwp.gov.uk