Tackling Access to Work backlog

Government announces investment to tackle Access to Work backlog

The Government has announced a major recruitment drive aimed at reducing waiting times in the Access to Work scheme, following longstanding concerns over delays affecting disabled people trying to start or remain in employment.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) said it will recruit nearly 500 additional staff to help process applications more quickly, with ministers describing the move as part of wider efforts to remove barriers preventing disabled people and people with health conditions from entering work.
 

Essential support for employment and self-employment

Access to Work provides practical and financial support that can help disabled people remain in employment or take up new roles. Support can include specialist equipment, travel costs and workplace assistance such as support workers and British Sign Language interpreters.

The announcement follows increasing concern over delays within the scheme. Demand has more than doubled since 2018/19 and the DWP said around 60,000 applicants are currently awaiting decisions. Ministers said the previous backlog had reached more than 48,000 applications by mid-2024.

 

Government says delays have been eliminated

The Government said payment delays have now been eliminated and urgent applications are being prioritised, with 96 per cent of urgent cases reportedly being dealt with within 28 days.

The extra recruitment has been welcomed by disability organisations, although many have stressed that reducing waiting times remains essential if disabled people are not to lose opportunities.
 

Sense Policy Adviser Evan John said:

“Sense is really pleased to hear the government is investing in Access to Work, a vital scheme which enables disabled people with complex needs to look for and stay in work. It pays for essential support such as British Sign Language interpreters and refreshable braille displays.

“We hear far too often from people we support that they have waited too long for this support to come through, which in the worst scenarios has resulted in people turning down job offers or leaving employment. Every disabled person who wants to work deserves a fair opportunity to do so, and so we plan to keep working with the government on improving Access to Work.”

Workplace accessibility not a given

The announcement comes against a broader backdrop of continuing concerns around workplace accessibility and reasonable adjustments.

This week, Sir Robin Millar, chair of disability charity Scope, was reported to be pursuing legal action over allegations that appropriate workplace support had not been provided following surgery that affected his mobility. Millar said he wanted to highlight that disabled people can still face significant barriers in the workplace, even in senior positions. The case remains ongoing and the allegations are disputed.

For many disabled people, campaigners argue that Access to Work can be the difference between securing employment and being shut out of opportunities altogether. While the latest investment has been welcomed, attention is likely to focus on whether the additional resources translate into meaningful reductions in waiting times.
 

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Further reading and resources

We have guidance about creating a disability-friendly workplace here

“Think Work First” – addressing barriers to employment for young people

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