Westminster event backed by Coldplay frontman Chris Martin tackles disability employment barriers

An event at the Palace of Westminster this week will bring together politicians, business leaders and figures from the entertainment industry to discuss ways of improving employment opportunities for disabled and neurodivergent people. The reception, organised by inclusive entertainment company 0UTLYER, takes place on 15 July and coincides with the launch of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Disability Employment. Titled Breaking Barriers, Backing Talent, the event aims to encourage collaboration between policymakers, employers and industry leaders on improving access to careers, particularly within the creative industries.

0UTLYER was founded by Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, singer and disability advocate Emmanuel Kelly, and Joanne Reay. The organisation says the event will focus on practical measures to remove barriers to employment and create more opportunities for disabled and neurodivergent people across broadcasting, film, television, music and business.

According to the organisers, attendees are expected to include Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Pat McFadden, comedian and broadcaster Adam Hills, actor Royce Pierreson and Richard Baker MP, who has helped coordinate the event and supports the launch of the new APPG.

Joanne Reay, co-chief executive and founder of 0UTLYER, said disability employment needed to move “to the centre of policy, business and culture”.

“This event is about bringing together the people who can make a real difference and asking a simple question: what are we actually going to do? We know the talent exists. Now we need to ensure the opportunities do too,” she said.

Reay added that collaboration between government, industry and business could help create “lasting pathways into meaningful careers for disabled and neurodivergent people”.

Richard Baker MP said the new parliamentary group would provide an opportunity to maintain cross-party attention on the barriers disabled people continue to face in the workplace.

“Employment is not only about income. It is about independence, confidence, dignity and opportunity. We must ensure that every sector, including the creative industries, plays its part in building a fairer and more inclusive labour market,” he said.

The event also reflects the wider aims of 0UTLYER, which works to increase opportunities for disabled, neurodivergent and underrepresented people through production, recruitment, training and industry partnerships.

Emmanuel Kelly, whose career has included performances with Coldplay and appearances at the Sydney Opera House and the FIFA halftime show, co-founded the company following his own experiences of disability and the entertainment industry. The organisation says it aims to improve representation both on screen and behind the scenes through a more accessible approach to employment and career development.