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Sir Richard Branson backs recruitment firm which is getting autistic adults into IT roles

Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Group and UK charity Esmée Fairbairn Foundation have both invested in IT consultants Auticon.

The firm, which hails from Munich but opened its UK office in London this Spring, exclusively hires IT consultants who are on the autism spectrum, and will use the the new investment to accelerate its growth in the UK.

Auticon already has a number of partnerships in place with big UK companies, while in Germany, the firm already employs over 70 IT professionals who are working on complex IT projects for blue chip clients such as Siemens and Allianz.

With only 15% of the UK’s autistic adults in full-time employment, and 43% of autistic adults who have worked have left or lost a role due to their autism, the firm is attempting to change attitudes towards autism and employment.

Following the investment, Auticon’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Kurt Schöffer, said: “We are honored to have such a respected shareholder onboard. We’re excited to have Richard as one of our new investors and we look forward to continuing expanding our UK business with the support of the Virgin Group.

“In Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, an experienced grant funder and social investor, I am delighted to have gained an investor who brings an overview of inclusive employment in the UK.”

As further support for its consultants, Auticon also provides professional job coaches and IT project managers and advises clients on how to make their workplaces more autism-friendly, to facilitate more accepting work environments for those on the autistic spectrum.

Sir Richard Branson added: “Purpose is at the core of what we do at Virgin. It’s clear by the great work Auticon do they have similar values. Employment rates amongst 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.”