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16th October 2024

Heston’s research reveals poor employment rates for those with neurodivergent conditions

Written by: Edward Waddell
Research commissioned by restaurateur and chef Heston Blumenthal OBE, who has been diagnosed with ADHD and bipolar, found more than one in ten people (11%) in the UK have been officially diagnosed as neurodivergent of which 21% are neither in full or part-time paid employment.

The survey of over 1,000 people found that of those who are neurodiverse, more than half (56%) are in full-time employment and 23% work part-time. The remaining 21% have no paid work.  

The research reveals that the majority of respondents who are neurodivergent did not receive a diagnosis until they reached their late teens.

When asked if those who are neurodivergent work part-time because they have struggled to find full-time positions due to their diagnoses, 24% agree this was the case, 67% say no, while 9% prefer not to say.

Blumenthal’s restaurants include the world-famous three-Michelin-star Fat Duck, the two-Michelin-starred Dinner by Heston Blumenthal and Dinner by Heston Blumenthal Dubai, the Michelin-starred Hinds Head and the Perfectionists’ Café.

He commented: “It is extremely disappointing that so many people in the UK who are neurodivergent are struggling to find paid employment. These are individuals who are likely to have specialist skills that will enhance a workforce and improve productivity. UK business is really missing out by not doing more to make it easier for people with neurodiverse conditions to contribute.

“The research also reveals a worrying number of people who believe they are neurodivergent but have not been diagnosed – and a high number who receive late diagnoses – which suggests they are missing out on vital support. If I had been diagnosed with ADHD and bipolar sooner, I would have really benefited from the help I have since received in understanding my conditions, managing them and channelling all the positive attributes they can bring.”