Asda has become the UK's largest provider of supported internships after expanding its employability programme for young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) to 35 stores across the country.

The supermarket has created 210 new internship placements in partnership with UK charity DFN Project SEARCH, making the programme available in more locations than any other UK business.

The year-long supported internship programme combines practical work experience in Asda stores with tailored education and employability training which the supermarket said will help participants develop workplace skills, confidence and experience before moving into paid employment.

The scheme aims to address the significant employment gap facing people with learning disabilities. According to Asda, just 4.8 per cent of people with a learning disability in England and 4.1 per cent in Scotland secure paid employment after completing their education, compared with around 80 per cent of their peers.

Department of Health and Social Care figures cited by Asda show that fewer than six per cent of young people with learning disabilities and/or autism spectrum disorder who are known to local authorities are currently in paid employment.

Since launching the initiative with DFN Project SEARCH in 2023, 43 per cent of interns have progressed into employment, either with Asda or another employer. Of the first 70 interns to complete the programme, more than 30 have secured jobs, with further employment outcomes expected to be confirmed for the latest cohort.

DFN Project SEARCH, which works with employers to provide workplace-based supported internships for young people with learning disabilities and autism, said partnerships with large employers are helping to demonstrate the value of inclusive recruitment.

James Goodman, chief people officer at Asda, said that supported internships have been shown to be an effective route into work and Asda has seen first-hand the difference these placements can make, helping young people to build confidence and take important steps towards paid employment.

“We're incredibly proud to be expanding our Supported Internship Programme and giving more young people with special educational needs the chance to gain real workplace experience,” he added. “As we continue to grow the programme, we hope more young people can benefit from supported internships and the opportunities they create to build skills, gain experience and move into work.”

Earlier this month, major British retailers worked with the UK government to launch a new work experience programme aimed at helping young people into employment.

The government said the scheme also aims to create up to 100,000 jobs for 18 to 24-year-olds by the end of this Parliament.

Developed by the Department for Work and Pensions and the British Retail Consortium, the Opening Shift initiative will provide more than 11,000 work experience placements with major retailers including Tesco, John Lewis, Waitrose, Asda, Currys, Costa Coffee, Boots, Lidl, and Marks and Spencer.

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