Access to work is a publicly funded employment scheme that aims to help those with a disability stay in work. This can be accessed when someone may need some support which is beyond what can be provided via a reasonable adjustment. It is important that this is discussed as soon as possible, preferably before six weeks of employment.
Access to work can help to provide support towards:
- aid and equipment needed for the workplace
- adaptions to equipment
- money towards extra travel costs
- interpretation
- support workers
- mental health
- other practical help at work.
To be eligible to apply for Access to Work the person must:
- have a disability or health condition which means adaptions need to be made so that they can do their job
- be 16 years old or over
- be in (or about to start) paid employment
- reside and work in England, Wales or Scotland (Northern Ireland has a different system)
- not be claiming Incapacity Benefit or Employment Support Allowance whilst working.
Employees can apply for this themselves but we recommend that you have a conversation with your line manager and the People and Culture team if you are thinking of applying.
More information about Access to Work can be found here.