Access to Work
Helping the UK workforce perform to its full potential
It is estimated that around 1 in 7 people in the UK have a neurological difference (including dyslexia, dyspraxia, ADHD, and autism); with this in mind, every workplace should strive to promote a neurologically inclusive environment; it’s our differences that make us great and unique individuals, after all.
For neurodivergent individuals to thrive and shine, the UK Government runs Access to Work, a scheme to provide companies and self-employed individuals with funding to support their individual needs. Thanks to this scheme, a wide variety of reasonable adjustments can be affordably sourced, with the return being an exponential benefit for neurodivergent individuals and their colleagues.
How can funding via the Access to Work scheme be sourced?
Access to Work operates to get disabled people into work, to help them retain their employment, and thrive within it.
The means which it provides is financial, and whilst organisations will undoubtedly prosper economically by being able to properly employ disabled individuals in line with the Equality Act (2010), the positive impact of the scheme extends far beyond monetary values.
Here are the key points regarding the scheme and the process which must be followed in order for the benefits of Access to Work to begin helping everyone:
Who?
Anyone who is disabled, has a mental health condition, or has a long-term health condition which affects their ability to work qualifies, so as long as they are:
- In paid employment
- Self-employed
- An apprentice, trainee or supported intern
- Doing self-directed work experience
- On Jobcentre Plus promoted work trials
- Going for a job interview
- In possession of a job offer letter
- In possession of a job start date
- In possession of a letter confirming an interview
What?
Access to Work grants provide funding for support which will best help an individual. The support covers a wide range of interventions beyond ‘reasonable adjustments’ associated with overcoming work-related barriers resulting from disability. The support package is agreed based on individual need.
Examples of the kind of help available through Access to Work are:
- A communicator, advocate or BSL interpreter for a job interview, if you’re D/deaf or have communication difficulties
- A support worker, such as a reader for somebody with a visual impairment; communicator for a D/deaf person; a specialist job coach for a person with a learning difficulty; or a helper for personal care needs at work
- Specialist equipment (or alterations to existing equipment) to suit your particular need.
- Help towards the additional costs of taxi fares if you cannot use public transport to get to work
- Support via Access to Work’s dedicated Mental Health Support Service
How much?
There is no set amount for an Access to Work grant. How much you get depends on your specific case. The grant will only cover the support needed to let you stay in work or in self-employment.
There is an annual cap on the total amount of support that can be provided under Access to Work; this is currently set at £66,000.
Access to Work will pay 100 per cent of the approved costs (subject to the cap):
- for travel to work, for a support worker/reader or a communicator for support at job interviews;
- if you are unemployed and starting a new job;
- if you have been working for an employer and have been in the job for less than six weeks; or
- if you are self-employed or setting up your own business through the New Enterprise Allowance.
How to apply?
- You can apply online
- Telephone: 0800 1217 479
- Textphone: 0800 1217 579
Post:
- Access to Work,
- Operational Support Unit,
- Harrow Jobcentre Plus,
- Mail Handling Site A,
- Wolverhampton,
- WV98 1JE
