A NEW event is being held to encourage employers to hire more staff with Autism.

Worcestershire County Council and Fortis Living have joined forces with Chartered Institute of Personal Development (CIPD) Gloucestershire and CIPD Hereford and Worcester to organise an event to encourage employers to recruit people with neurodiversity.

The event, which aims to offer help and support to employers to recruit people with an autistic spectrum condition, will take place on Wednesday 27 March at The Worcester Arena, Hylton Road, between 10.30am and 3.00pm with lunch provided.

The event will include a ‘drop in’ to enlighten employers on the benefits of having neuro diverse people working for them and what small adjustments are needed to help them thrive in their roles.

A number of local businesses who are taking part will share their experiences and highlight the benefits of employing people with the condition with the intention of bringing about a better understanding of how this can be acknowledged and aided in workplaces as well as benefit productivity.

Tom Piotrowski, diversity and inclusion advisor at Fortis Living explained : “We look forward to hearing from and meeting applicants who are on the autistic spectrum.

"We certainly recognise they have a lot to offer; like other employers on the day we will be talking about job opportunities within our business.”

Councillor Adrian Hardman, cabinet member for adult social care for Worcestershire County Council said : “Our organisation greatly benefits from hiring people who have diverse thinking patterns.

"This is something we wholeheartedly support and are delighted to be teaming up with Fortis Living to run this important event. By sharing our experiences, we hope to encourage and inspire other businesses and organisations to do the same.”