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Studies suggest that up to 4 in every 10 unemployed people using the Department for Work and Pensions’ Jobcentre Plus have dyslexia. This is a huge figure, and it’s more than a little scary to think that it means that because you’ve got dyslexia, you’re going to struggle to find work. Fortunately, it’s not true! Many people with dyslexia are sought-after employees in a wide range of fields due to their unique skills, and there are tons of helpful organisations and resources at your disposal to make looking for a job with dyslexia feel like less of a chore.
The British Dyslexia Association
The British Dyslexia Association have a whole page of helpful hints and things to consider, whether you’re looking for a new job, returning to work or even taking the first steps on your employment journey. From the ins and outs of disclosing dyslexia on your CV and your application to understanding the help and support available to you, it’s a great starting point for jobseekers who have dyslexia in the UK.
Local Dyslexia Associations are also a great resource to use, and will have a wealth of experience in helping people with a wide range of strengths and weaknesses into the world of work.
The Access to Work Grant
The Access to Work Grant is a nationwide publicly funded employment programme that aims to help more people with literacy differences, neurodiversities and disabilities find and stay in work. It’s designed to provide the support that people need to work, and offers a range of services from counselling to specialist equipment and qualified support professionals on-hand to make your work experience as easy and as productive as possible. Disability Rights UK have a much more in-depth breakdown of the grant and what’s available, and the GOV.UK website has all the information that you need to apply.
You can also look for employers who are part of the Disability Confident Scheme – and if you’re an employer yourself, it’s an amazing project to be part of too. Previously called the Positive About Disability ‘Two Ticks’ scheme, it’s a great way for jobseekers to identify potential workplaces that are committed to equality and accessibility. There’s a more in depth breakdown of what Disability Confident means at their home on DirectGov, too.
Jobcentre Plus
Your local jobcentre can also provide targeted support and assistance when it comes to looking for work with dyslexia. Whether you’re moving fields or looking for a starter role, your assessors and coaches are a great resource to use, and they’ll be able to point you in the right direction when it comes to finding what solutions and roles work for you.
Exceptional Individuals: Bespoke Support for Jobseekers with Dyslexia
Founded in 2018 by business graduate Matt Boyd, Exceptional Individuals is the UK’s first Dyslexic Employment Partnership and supports thousands of beneficiaries in achieving their career potential. Working with candidates from a range of sectors, they regard people neurodiverse individuals as a unique talent pool, and provide consulting, recruitment and employment support to both employers and individuals with dyslexia, dyspraxia, ADHD and autism.
Remploy & EmployAbility
Remploy are the UK’s leading disability specialist, and work to transform lives through sustainable employment. They offer services to jobseekers and people looking to move careers, as well as offer guidance to employers on creating inclusive workspaces and make sure that every workplace and workspace is optimised for people to succeed in.
EmployAbility are one of the foremost names in inclusivity in the workplace, and help companies put accessibility at the centre of their business model in addition to assisting individuals with neurodiversities and disabilities into employment. They run graduate programmes as well as provide work support and jobseeking services, and also have a dedicated hub for students and graduates to ease the transition from study to employment.