Sir Richard Branson's Virgin Group and UK charity Esmée Fairbairn Foundation have invested in Auticon, a social enterprise that exclusively hires IT consultants on the autism spectrum. Auticon was founded in Germany in 2011 where more than 70 autistic IT consultants have permanent employment, with over one third of the DAX on boarded as customers.
Auticon launched its UK office in spring 2016 and the investment will enable it to recruit autistic candidates from across the country.
The investment also offers Auticon a chance to promote social change in attitudes towards autism and employment.
Autistic adults often have extraordinary cognitive abilities, yet many find it difficult to secure or maintain mainstream employment.
Auticon's Group CEO Kurt Schöffer said: "We have received hundreds of applications from adults on the autism spectrum across the UK, France and Germany, and hope this new investment will enable us to see many more.
Auticon's UK CEO, Ray Coyle, added: "It is great to see such renowned British investors provide the backing to enable us to build our business in the UK, based on the successful model that has been proven in the German and French markets. This will enable many more companies in the UK to tap into the strengths of autistic adults."
Sir Richard Branson said: "Employment rates among autistic adults are a hugely challenging social issue in the UK and globally. Helping companies and employees overcome these hurdles is crucial if we're to enable autistic persons to use their unique skills successfully in the job market."
In the UK, only 15% of autistic adults are in full time employment, despite 79% of people with autism on out of work benefits wanting to work; 43% of those who have worked have left or lost a job because of their autism.