AN autism charity is urging employers to support workers with neurodiverse conditions to try and keep them in the workforce.

People with autism are much more likely to be unemployed, with just 22 per cent of people with the condition in work.

Teesside charity Daisy Chain says nine in 10 autistic people are worried about their mental health in lockdown, with 85 per cent saying their anxiety has got worse.

In an open letter to employers, the charity said: "There has always been significant disparity in the employment rates for autistic adults, with only 22 percent being in employment despite 77 percent of unemployed autistic adults reporting they’d like to work. Sadly, these statistics are only likely to get worse as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

"With the threat of job loss, huge changes in routine, working from home, furlough and constant uncertainty and disruption - those autistic individuals who have been fortunate enough to find employment suddenly find themselves in an unprecedented situation that poses a risk to both their mental health and wellbeing and also job security.

"Many employers don’t even realise that it is highly likely they employ at least one autistic individual. We must all do everything we can to be socially responsible employers by protecting, supporting and empowering our neurodiverse colleagues."

The charity is offering offering free virtual training to employers to help support colleagues with autism during the pandemic.

Darlington-based manufacturing company, Cummins, has a longstanding relationship with Daisy Chain, following the placement of previous service user, George Farr, who has been with the firm since last March and has been supported while on furlough.

Tony Waters, health and wellbeing benefits supervisor for Cummins, said: “We are pleased to see that Daisy Chain has taken a stand to raise awareness of the challenges people with neurodiverse conditions face when it comes to employment.

"Young people and adults with autism and similar additional needs are just as much of an asset to a business as neurotypical people.

“During the first lockdown, George was furloughed along with 50 per cent of the team he worked alongside. As a management team it was key to ensure that employees on furlough felt they had not been forgotten and remained integral to the organisation

“This was particularly important for George because he is not only a young adult with unique characteristics but he was also very new in the organisation at that time. Since George returned to work from furlough, albeit in a working from home capacity, I have ensured that the team is as cohesive as it is possible to be, with regular zoom meetings, both business related and social.”

Mr Farr said: “The support that has been given to me during the last 11 months has really made me feel a key part of the team. My work experience so far has enabled me to feel more confident in my ability to carry out my day to day tasks, as well as making me more confident in social interactions.”

Connor Richardson, who is part of Daisy Chain's administration team, has also spoken about his experience with autism in the work place.

He said: “The pandemic has caused additional anxiety for autistic employees like myself because of disruption caused by the lack of or change in structure. I think it is important that employers must look after all employees but particularly employees with autism as they will have higher anxiety throughout this time.

“I feel I have been supported very well by Daisy Chain. When I got told I was going to be furloughed, I was provided with a timetable outlining when I could come into Daisy Chain to access any support services. I would have felt lost if I didn’t have the timetable as it was the only fixed structure I had. I then used the timetable to structure the rest of my week.

“I think keeping in touch and checking in with neurodiverse employees is really important, particularly seeing how they are getting on during the lockdown. I would have felt quite isolated if I had no contact at all from Daisy Chain, then I would start to question job security.”

Daisy Chain's virtual support is being funded through the People's Postcode Lottery.