Under half of dyslexic people in Scotland receive adequate help in the workplace

By The Press Association3rd October 2024News ScotlandLearning Disabilities, News Scotland, Special Education Needs / Disabilities

Less than half of dyslexic people in Scotland receive “appropriate workplace adjustments” and three quarters say the condition has impacted their job performance, according to new research.

A report by Dyslexia Scotland, in collaboration with the University of Glasgow, found that just 41% of people with dyslexia in Scotland have had adjustments made at work in line with the learning difficulty.

The report, titled Towards A Dyslexia-Friendly Scotland?, was supported by law firm Morton Fraser MacRoberts, and examined a sample of 1,420 adults living in Scotland.

The report says it aims to establish a baseline for better workplace support for people with the condition, which affects reading and writing capabilities to varying degrees, and highlights a number of shortcomings which it says must be addressed.

It says verbal instructions as well as written extra time to complete tasks or the ability to choose dyslexia-friendly fonts and colours should be made available.

The report says that, of those who have been given adjustments in the workplace, only 25% found them to be very or extremely helpful, while 75% said adjustments were either not helpful, or only slightly to moderately helpful.

Cathy Magee (pictured), chief executive of Dyslexia Scotland said: “The findings make it clear that professional identification of dyslexia can have a transformative impact not just on education but also on career progression and overall wellbeing — particularly when identified early.

“However, with 80% of respondents citing the cost of assessment as a barrier, many individuals are unable to access the support they need.

“That’s why we’re calling on the Scottish Government to provide free or subsidised dyslexia assessments and ensure that teachers and employers alike receive adequate training to support those with dyslexia in both educational and professional settings.”

The survey was carried out between November 1 2023 and May 12 this year.

Martin Glover, chief people officer at Morton Fraser MacRoberts, said: “At Morton Fraser MacRoberts we have nearly 500 employees, including several with dyslexia.

“The findings of this report reflect the current challenges Scottish businesses face in providing appropriate workplace adjustments.

“We strive to ensure that reasonable adjustments for neurodiversity are part of our standard practice, and we encourage other businesses to do the same. The mixed feedback in the report suggests that adjustments often fall short, likely due to a lack of understanding or inconsistent implementation.

“It’s vital to shift the perception of reasonable adjustments for dyslexia. Supporting employees with dyslexia isn’t about offering an advantage — it’s about creating an equal playing field, ensuring everyone has the same opportunity to thrive.”

The report contains a number of anonymous quotes from people with dyslexia in Scotland, who have highlighted their experiences.

One reads: “Being an adult out of education with dyslexia in Scotland is lonely, segregated, frustrating, exhausting, demoralising, defeating, sad, heartbreaking, sacrificing.

“It’s a minefield of letdowns from people that should help you and from yourself.”

Another said: “There is still a long way to go in relation to a dyslexia-friendly society in Scotland.

There is very little continuity between schools (primary and secondary) in relation to identification and support for young people with dyslexia.

“Transition between school and further education/higher education is also patchy. In my opinion, the biggest hurdle for people with dyslexia is in the workplace.

“This is when many feel isolated, lack support from peers and managers, and find themselves masking their dyslexia difficulties, which can contribute to mental health issues.”

The report was launched at the Scottish Parliament on Wednesday as part of Dyslexia Awareness Week Scotland 2024 which runs from September 30 to 6 October 6.

Employment Minister Tom Arthur said: “These findings are extremely concerning, and we agree that those with dyslexia should be fully supported in both educational and professional settings.

“Where people with dyslexia are considered disabled under the Equality Act, employers must make reasonable adjustments.

“Legislation places duties on education authorities to provide for and review the additional support needs of their pupils including those who are dyslexic. The Scottish Government is funding a free online learning resource in Dyslexia and Inclusive Practice for teachers.”