Access to Work: The Hidden Scheme for Disabled People & How it Can Help You

15 Apr

Written By SIC

Many barriers and challenges remain in the UK workplace for disabled people. The Access to Work scheme aims to overcome these challenges by supporting and retaining more disabled adults in the workplace.

Welcomed improvements to the scheme have been outlined in the National Disability Strategy published in 2021. But despite being around since 1994, it remains one of the government’s best kept secrets as it’s disappointingly underutilised.

What is it?

The Access to Work (AtW) scheme is a UK government grant scheme which pays for practical support to help people who have a health condition or disability find work, stay in work, move into self-employment or start a business. AtW can help disabled people overcome barriers and points of exclusion within the job market.

The amount awarded is dependent on the individual’s circumstances, and as it’s a grant, it doesn’t have to be paid back. Additionally, this scheme will not affect other benefits people may have. Grants are awarded to assist with covering the costs of practical support, equipment in the workplace or getting to and from work.

Who can apply?

To be eligible, you will have a disability, or long-term health or mental health condition which requires you to have aid, adaptation, financial assistance or further support from a person in work. You will also normally be resident in the UK and over 16 years old.

Additionally, you will need to be undertaking paid work or be about to start work/ become self-employed. You can also apply if you have an interview for a job. Further criteria includes if you are about to begin a work trial or start work experience under the Youth Contract arranged through Jobcentre Plus.

Amount awarded

The amount awarded depends on each specific case and there isn’t a set amount for an AtW grant. The purpose of the grant is to provide cover for any support required which enables people to remain in work or be self-employed.

Some of the costs the grant can cover includes special equipment, fares to work (if you’re unable to take public transport), transporting equipment (if you change jobs), and disability awareness training for your colleagues.

Hidden and underutilised

Despite the obvious benefits the AtW can provide, it’s significantly underutilised. Disabled-led social enterprise Diversity and Ability, stated that only 0.7% of disabled people in work partook in the AtW scheme. This figure is astoundingly low and indicates that many disabled people and employers may not be getting the support they need.

Reasons for low applications

There are many reasons for the low applications. On the one hand, some workplaces may be so inclusive that there isn’t a need for disabled people to apply for the AtW. Unfortunately, this seems extremely unlikely.

More likely reasons for the low application rates include:

· Lack of awareness

· Uncertainty surrounding who can apply and who it is for

· Fear of disclosure & discrimination

· Lack of support from manager and/or workplace

· Requires planning – disabled workers may already be in a state of burnout or crisis before they become aware of the scheme

· Lack of time to participate in support sessions

Impact on individuals

The underutilisation of the AtW scheme speaks to the lack of support disabled workers may require and want. By not getting the support they need, it can negatively impact their wellbeing and mental health. Furthermore, it hinders their potential and ability to perform to their best in the workplace. These factors can make it more challenging for disabled workers to stay and remain in work.

Impact on the employer

The low uptake of the AtW can also negatively impact the employer too. Not accessing the support which the AtW provides can lead to higher staff turnover, sick leave and absence.

It’s not just the financial cost. Employers may also miss out on getting the best work from employees if they are struggling instead of thriving.

Wider implications

It’s hard to ignore the large disability employment gap and the inequality in the workplace. The AtA can help close the almost 30% gap between the employment rate of disabled and non-disabled people in the UK. Grants from the AtW can be used to fully accommodate the needs of disabled workers, and its underutilisation is incredibly disappointing.

Next steps

Raising awareness of AtW is vital to ensure more people get the help and support they need, not only to survive in work but to thrive. It’s not just job seekers, school leavers and graduates who need to know about it, but also employees and organisations too. Increasing awareness will help ensure that people who need this support are made aware of it and can access it.