London cafe gives workers with learning disabilities a ‘fair shot’

By Sarah Young

From the hiss of steam warming milk, the clank of emptying used coffee grounds and the chatter of customers, Fair Shot is like any another London coffee shop, but it’s also a training centre for young adults with learning disabilities.

In England, just 4.8% of people with learning disabilities were in paid work in 2022-2023, according to the government’s annual survey of adult social care. Bianca Tavella, founder and chief executive of Fair Shot, believes the rate is too low and there’s a way to help fix it.

“I’m so proud that I got a paid job,” said Aya Bider, 23, a recent graduate from Fair Shot’s training programme who now works for the sales department of a brand at luxury goods maker LVMH after being rejected by employers in the past.

“I would be sad if I didn’t have a job. I would be sitting at