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Huge boost as employer offers jobs to autistic jobseekers

This news post is about 5 years old
 

Banking giant partners the social enterprise to offer employment opportunities to people with autism

A unique social enterprise which only employs people on the autism spectrum is opening an Edinburgh office.

Auticon has announced it will open its first UK base outside London as part of its strategy to create more jobs for autistic adults in Scotland.

The move has been backed by banking giant RBS which will take on three full-time permanent workers on IT projects in its Edinburgh headquarters at Gogarburn.

It is a huge boost to those living with the condition as many people with autism struggle to very find work, let alone have workplaces adapted to their needs.

The firm has backing from the Virgin Group and the Esmee Fairbairn Foundation to expand its presence in Scotland.

It hopes to partner with businesses and SMEs on what it terms a project basis that will offer long-term, quality and sustainable employment for as many autistic people with a background in tech as possible.

Auticon UK’s CEO, Ray Coyle, said: “Unemployment among autistic adults is a major issue in Scotland, so we are thrilled to be working with Royal Bank of Scotland to launch a new base for Auticon in Edinburgh.

“Auticon consultants offer market-leading services in tech and IT, and are incredibly popular with blue chips. Our partnership with Royal Bank of Scotland has paved the way to our launch in Edinburgh - and we are keen to grow our presence and work with major firms and SMEs across the country.”

Royal Bank of Scotland’s chief marketing officer, and executive sponsor for the bank’s disability agenda, David Wheldon, said: “We are proud to be working with Auticon to help bring new employment opportunities to autistic adults in Scotland.”