Access to Work Scheme Faces Backlash as Businesses Struggle with Delays in Disability Support Payments

Businesses Struggling with Access to Work Scheme Payments

Employers of disabled individuals are expressing concern over delayed payments from the government, totaling hundreds of thousands of pounds. The Access to Work scheme, designed to support disabled employees, is reportedly facing severe backlogs and payment issues that have left many businesses in a precarious financial position.

It took six months for Lucy Earle to be assigned an Access to Work caseworker

One company has stated it is owed £186,000 and fears it may have to close its doors. Another business has already shut down, citing problems with the scheme as a contributing factor. The Access to Work initiative was previously highlighted by ministers as a crucial element in enhancing job opportunities for disabled people, particularly in light of recent welfare cuts.

Delays Affecting Disabled Employees

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) claims to have implemented a streamlined claims process to accelerate payments, which can cover costs ranging from taxis to powered wheelchairs. However, many businesses report that bureaucratic hurdles have increased, complicating the claims process and leading to significant delays.

Sheldon McMullan describes the scheme's issues as an existential threat to his charity

Yateley Industries, a charity employing nearly 60 people with disabilities, highlights that the backlog presents an existential threat to their operations. The chief executive, Sheldon McMullan, emphasizes the urgent need for reform, stating that the current payment system is ineffective and unsustainable.

Impact on Employment Opportunities

In Newton Abbott, a cafe that employed individuals with learning disabilities recently closed, attributing part of its downfall to the Access to Work issues. Founder Sarah Thorp noted that new restrictions on funding for work experience led to a £800 weekly shortfall, forcing them to decline potential candidates.

Lucy Earle, a social media executive, experienced a six-month wait for her claim to be processed, only to be assigned a wheelchair that exacerbated her condition. She advocates for improvements in the scheme, stating that while it has helped her maintain employment, the current delays are counterproductive to the government's goals of increasing employment among disabled individuals.

Call for Reforms

Steve Darling, the Lib Dem Work and Pensions spokesperson, criticized the situation, highlighting that individuals and businesses are often left to cover costs while awaiting payments, risking financial instability. The DWP acknowledges these concerns and mentions plans for significant reforms to the Access to Work program to ensure it meets the increasing demand and supports both employers and employees effectively.

Lucy has struggled going into work because she does not have a suitable wheelchair