Figures show only 15 per cent of adults with autism are in full-time employment.

Honiton and Tiverton MP Neil Parish is hoping to make “employment a reality” for people with autism by joining a new campaign.

Mr Parish has come out in support of the National Autistic Society’s (NAS) Undiscovered Workforce campaign.

It is calling upon MPs across the UK to work together with local authority services, as well as local businesses and employment providers to improve job opportunities for people with autism in their own constituencies.

Mr Parish said: “Many people with autism needlessly struggle to find and keep employment, not because they don’t have the skills or the drive, but because many employers don’t understand the benefits of employing someone with autism.

“I look forward to working with families in Tiverton and Honiton affected by autism as well as the council and local employers.

“I hope I can also count on the support of individuals and businesses in the area to get behind the NAS’ Undiscovered Workforce campaign, and help make employment a reality for people with autism.”

NAS research has found only 15 per cent of adults with autism are in full-time employment while 26 per cent of graduates with autism are unemployed.