As thousands of pounds owed to them by the government threaten jobs and businesses, companies employing disabled staff are facing an existential crisis under the Access to Work scheme.
The government’s Access to Work scheme, designed to support disabled people in the workplace, is facing a severe backlog of payments that are leaving businesses on the brink of collapse. With thousands of pounds owed to them by the government, companies employing disabled staff are worried they may have to let their employees go.
The Access to Work (AtW) scheme is a UK government initiative that provides financial support for employees with disabilities, health conditions, or mental health needs.
The scheme helps employers and employees to work together to remove barriers in the workplace, enabling individuals to access employment opportunities.
AtW funding can be used for various adaptations, such as assistive technology, transportation, and care services.
In 2020-21, over 70,000 people received support through the 'Access to Work scheme' , with an average award of £6,400 per person.
The Access to Work scheme, which was highlighted as a way to boost job prospects for disabled people during recent welfare cuts, is plagued by backlogs and huge payment delays. One company, Yateley Industries, a near 90-year-old charity in Hampshire that employs almost 60 people with disabilities, owes the government nearly £186,000.
‘This is an existential threat to us,’ says Chief Executive ‘Sheldon McMullan.’ ‘If we don’t get it, we could potentially close this magical place forever, and that would be a tragedy for the local community and for the government’s agenda more broadly.’ Yateley Industries is part of a nationwide forum of dozens of supported businesses that are also affected by the backlog.
Businesses say that as well as poor internal processes at the Department for Work and Pensions, there has been a large increase in bureaucracy associated with Access to Work in recent months. Many more forms have had to be filled in and posted – not uploaded or emailed – to the DWP.
‘Until ministers realise that they’ve got this wrong, they’re in danger of pushing so many disabled people out of the workplace,’ says Steven McGurk, president of the trade union, Community Union. ‘It’s very bureaucratic, very difficult to claim – it’s the biggest threat to disabled people’s employment.’
Personal stories from those who rely on the Access to Work scheme highlight the human impact of these delays and backlogs. Lucy Earle, a social media executive for a museum, has struggled with agonising pain in her feet that requires her to use a wheelchair. She credits the Access to Work scheme with helping her stay in employment but feels they are refusing reasonable requests.
Minister for Social Security and Disability, ‘Sir Stephen Timms,’ acknowledged that the current system is ‘not in a good shape’ and needs significant reforms. He called for employers to do more and for a new approach that prioritises those who need it most.
In response to the crisis, the Department for Work and Pensions introduced a new streamlined claims process to ensure outstanding payments are made swiftly to businesses. However, many are still waiting months for their payments, with some claimants facing delays of over six months.
The government’s decision to cut disability benefits has left disabled people and businesses struggling to cope with the consequences. As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear – urgent action is needed to address the backlog and ensure that those who need support can access it without being pushed out of work.
Disability benefits are financial assistance provided to individuals who are unable to work due to a medical condition, 'a significant impairment' , or illness.
Eligibility varies by country and program, but generally requires a significant impairment that prevents employment.
Programs may include Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and private disability insurance.
Recipients typically receive a monthly stipend based on their earnings history or need.
The application process often involves medical documentation and assessments to determine the extent of disability.
