Businesses employing disabled individuals are facing significant financial strain due to delays in payments from the Access to Work scheme, which is designed to support workplace adaptations. Many companies report being owed substantial amounts, leading to fears of job losses and closures.
Key takeaways
- Businesses claim they are owed hundreds of thousands of pounds by the Access to Work scheme.
- Delays and bureaucratic hurdles are causing financial distress for companies that employ disabled individuals.
- The Access to Work scheme is intended to assist with costs related to employing disabled workers, but many are struggling to access funds.
Financial strain on businesses
The Access to Work scheme, which provides grants to support disabled employees, has been plagued by backlogs and payment delays. Companies report that they are owed significant sums, with one business claiming nearly £200,000 in unpaid funds. This financial uncertainty has led some to consider layoffs or even closure.
Yateley Industries, a charity in Hampshire that employs around 60 people, most of whom have disabilities, has expressed that the owed amount poses an "existential threat" to their operations. Chief Executive Sheldon McMullan stated, "If we don’t get it, we could potentially close this magical place forever."
Bureaucratic challenges
Businesses have highlighted that the claims process has become increasingly bureaucratic, with more forms required and a shift to postal submissions rather than electronic ones. This has exacerbated the delays, leaving many companies unable to access funds that have already been approved.
Steven McGurk, president of the Community Union, emphasised the detrimental impact of these bureaucratic hurdles, stating, "It’s very bureaucratic, very difficult to claim – it’s the biggest threat to disabled people’s employment."
Impact on disabled workers
The delays are not only affecting businesses but also the disabled individuals who rely on the scheme for support. Many claimants are waiting over six months for assessments, with reports of job offers being lost due to the inability to secure necessary funding.
Lucy Earle, a social media executive, shared her experience of waiting six months for a suitable wheelchair, which has hindered her ability to work. She noted, "They’re saying that the benefits are being cut so we can push more people into work, but then also Access to Work is having all these problems."
Government response
In response to the growing concerns, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has introduced a new streamlined claims process aimed at expediting payments. However, many remain sceptical about the effectiveness of these reforms.
Minister for Social Security and Disability, Sir Stephen Timms, acknowledged the issues within the Access to Work scheme, stating that significant reforms are necessary to ensure its sustainability. Spending on the programme has increased by 41% for the 2023/24 period, but many believe that more needs to be done to address the systemic problems.
Conclusion
The Access to Work scheme, while intended to support disabled individuals in the workforce, is currently facing significant challenges that threaten both businesses and employees. As companies await overdue payments, the future of many jobs hangs in the balance, highlighting the urgent need for reform in the system.
