Inclusive Employment
Inclusive Employment
ECL’s highly successful Inclusive Employment programme has transformed the lives of hundreds of people with learning disabilities and/or autism in Essex, by supporting them to secure and sustain paid employment.
What is Inclusive Employment and who is it for?
Funded by Essex County Council, it is a highly successful job matching service for Essex based job seekers, aged 18 or over, with a formal diagnosis of autism or learning disability, and usually eligible for social care.
It is also a free job matching service for any employer ready to embrace a diverse workforce.
Our dedicated Inclusive Employment team connects top talent with the right employers, offering personalised support and expert guidance to ensure a lasting and successful match for both parties.
The service was approved by SEQF (Supported Employment Quality Framework) in 2022 and won the highly acclaimed MJM achievement award for building diversity and inclusion in 2024.
Do you have an undiagnosed learning disability or neurodivergent condition, are ineligible for social care, or live in Southend or Thurrock? Connect to Work is the service for you.
Our impact to date (31st October 2025)
1,452 people supported by Inclusive Employment
92.18% of people with a vocational profile achieved paid employment
614 successful employment outcomes
Support for candidates
Finding and keeping a paid job can feel overwhelming when you're neurodivergent or have a learning disability — but you're not alone. ECL’s supported employment teams are here to help you succeed, every step of the way.
Support for employers
Inclusive workplaces aren’t just fair—they’re smarter, stronger, and more innovative. With our expert support, becoming a Disability Confident employer is simple.
