🚨 **Significant Delays Alert for Disabled Workers Seeking Support!**
Disabled individuals are currently experiencing a shocking 109-day wait on average for their applications to Access to Work funds, supposed to aid them in securing or maintaining employment. This startling info comes from a new report by the National Audit Office.
The Access to Work scheme, which has been running since 1994, offers vital grants for those with physical or mental health conditions or disabilities to get help needed at work, including assistance during job interviews. The system has seen demand skyrocket, with applications doubling from 76,100 in 2018/19 to 157,000 in 2024/25. This surge, according to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), is largely due to increased identification of mental health conditions and neurodiversity.
Currently, the average processing time for a claim stands at 109 days, soaring above the department’s 25-day target, and causing significant disruption. These delays impact individuals and employers alike, with some job offers being withdrawn due to prolonged waits. Additionally, small businesses are facing cash flow issues due to late payments.
Charity organisations like Scope and Sense are raising the alarm, stressing that Access to Work is essential for breaking down employment barriers for disabled people. However, the current backlogs and inefficiencies turn what could be a lifeline into a barrier itself. As the government seeks to reform the system, there’s a call for urgent action to address these delays without sacrificing eligibility for applicants. More investment and better scheme promotion are needed to ensure every disabled person gets fair employment opportunities.
The DWP acknowledges these challenges and is pledging to streamline processes and boost staffing to fix the broken system. As reforms unfold, there’s hope for a swifter and more efficient future for disabled workers.
🌟 **Share your thoughts!** How can we better support our disabled community in accessing work opportunities? Drop your comments below! 👇