Amazon's UK boss has criticised what he describes as a "failure of imagination" among employers when it comes to helping people with learning disabilities find work. The online retail giant has announced plans to quadruple the number of supported internships available to young people with learning disabilities and autism.
Current Employment Landscape
According to the charity Mencap, only 5% of people with a learning disability are employed, despite 86% expressing a desire to work. The challenges they face range from difficulties completing application forms to a lack of necessary workplace support.
Amazon launched its supported internship programme in 2021 for individuals aged 16 to 24 with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), including autism. In collaboration with the charity DFN Project SEARCH, the company has already supported nearly 300 young people across 25 UK sites. More than 80 of these individuals have secured permanent roles at Amazon, making it the largest private sector provider of such internships in the country.
How the Programme Works
Each participant undertakes a structured placement at an Amazon fulfilment centre, combining classroom learning with hands-on work experience. They are paired with a dedicated job coach who provides tailored guidance and workplace mentoring, helping them build practical skills, confidence, and independence.
Amazon has now pledged to expand the programme significantly, aiming to support more than 1,000 young people with learning disabilities and autism into employment by 2030. The company highlighted the success story of Rhys, who completed a supported internship at Amazon's Swansea fulfilment centre and now holds a permanent role, having learned to manage a budget, navigate public transport, and build a routine.
John Boumphrey, Amazon's UK boss, stated: "More than nine in 10 people with learning disabilities in this country are unemployed, despite the vast majority wanting to work. That's not a skills gap, that's a failure of imagination on the part of employers. By 2030, we now plan to quadruple this programme – supporting more than a thousand young people into work across more than 40 sites. We're scaling this because it works."
Sir Stephen Timms MP, Minister for Social Security and Disability, commented: "Too often young disabled people and those with learning disabilities aren't given a fair chance and choice to reach their full potential and thrive at work. Amazon's decision to quadruple its supported internships programme for young people with learning disabilities and autism is the kind of employer leadership to help turn this around – giving people life-changing pathways into real careers. Opening up opportunity for all young people is crucial for this government – that's why we're delivering the biggest youth employment reforms in a generation, backed by £2.5 billion to create 500,000 opportunities for young people to earn and learn."
