Building careers: autism inclusion at work

Autistic people face significant barriers to employment in the UK, with only 31% of autistic people estimated to be in employment. The situation is particularly concerning for young people: over 10% of all young people not in education, employment or training are autistic. These statistics highlight the urgent need for targeted action to improve representation and inclusion for autistic individuals in the UK workforce.

In 2024, Stephenson Harwood partnered with Ambitious about Autism, a UK charity supporting autistic people through education, employment programmes, and policy advocacy. We joined their Employ Autism programme, providing three eight-week paid internship opportunities for autistic young adults within our London business services teams. 

We have continued the partnership in 2025, expanding the programme by welcoming interns into three additional business services departments, broadening its impact across the firm. Notably, Maylinh – a former intern who secured a permanent position following her placement – has now taken on a mentoring role. She is supporting the new cohort of interns, guiding them on how to navigate the firm and make the most of their experience with us. 

Of the six interns who have joined us so far, two have secured permanent roles in the firm. Another two have secured permanent roles elsewhere. 

The last word should go to Maylinh, who said: “I really enjoy working with my colleagues, and I find my role both engaging and manageable. I couldn’t ask for more in a job, The Employ Autism programme has opened up real opportunities for me, and I’m really pleased Stephenson Harwood keeps supporting it so others can benefit too.”

In May 2026, Stephenson Harwood’s Employ Autism programme won The Legal 500 ESG Award for Disability/Neurodiversity: Best Initiative of the Year 2026.