York and North Yorkshire expands employer support programme to help create more inclusive workplaces 

Employers across York and North Yorkshire will be able to access free specialist support to help create more inclusive workplaces after a £1.1m programme was extended for a second year. 

The York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority has launched the next phase of its Employer Support Programme, following a first year that supported 220 businesses across the region. 

The programme forms part of the area’s Get Britain Working Economic Inactivity Trailblazer and aims to help employers improve recruitment, retention and workplace inclusion while supporting more people into sustainable employment. 

Seven specialist organisations have been commissioned to deliver support across areas including HR, workplace wellbeing and neurodiversity. 

Businesses will be able to access a range of services, such as workshops, one-to-one advice and workplace assessments, with support tailored to individual organisational needs. 

David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, said: 

“This programme is helping to break down barriers for people looking for work and supporting people to succeed in their current roles. It’s providing employers with the tools they need to build inclusive, thriving workplaces right across our county.” 

The programme reflects growing recognition of the role employers can play in tackling economic inactivity and supporting workforce health. 

According to the Department for Work and Pensions, long-term sickness remains one of the main drivers of economic inactivity in the UK, with employers increasingly being encouraged to create healthier, more inclusive working environments that enable people to stay in and return to work. 

One of the organisations delivering support through the programme is Autism Plus, which will provide expertise focused on supporting autistic and neurodivergent employees. 

Suzanne Eusman, Head of Employment Services at Autism Plus, said: 

“Through our Inclusive Futures Employer Support Programme, we bring specialist expertise in supporting autistic and neurodivergent people, alongside a strong focus on helping employers build the skills and confidence to work more inclusively and make the most of this talent. 

“We take a practical, hands-on and bespoke approach, working alongside employers to understand their business needs and tailor support accordingly. 

“This includes reviewing recruitment processes, delivering targeted training and offering workplace assessments to help create environments where neurodivergent employees can thrive.” 

The initiative highlights the growing importance of neuroinclusion within workplace wellbeing strategies, as employers seek to remove barriers to employment and create working environments that support a wider range of needs and experiences. 

All seven delivery organisations will participate in a series of employer webinars taking place on 29 June, 30 June and 1 July, providing businesses with an opportunity to learn more about the support available. 

The Employer Support Programme is funded through the Department for Work and Pensions and forms part of the Combined Authority’s wider economic inactivity strategy, which focuses on supporting people with health-related barriers to work, helping employers create good quality employment opportunities and improving collaboration between local services.