The Department for Work and Pensions has come under significant scrutiny following revelations that it does not monitor the number of disabled benefits claimants who may have lost their jobs after experiencing reductions in their Access to Work awards. This admission has raised serious concerns among disability charities and campaign groups about the potential consequences of changes to this crucial employment support scheme.
Labour MP Highlights Data Gap in Parliamentary Response
Labour Party cabinet member Sir Stephen Timms has brought attention to what he describes as a "worrying" situation, confirming that the DWP "does not collect data on the number of people who may have left or are at risk of leaving employment due to reductions in Access to Work awards upon renewal." This statement came in response to parliamentary questions about the scheme's effectiveness and its impact on employment retention for disabled workers.
Mr Timms elaborated further, explaining that "Access to Work is only available to individuals who are starting or in employment, so this type of data is not recorded." This justification has been met with scepticism from disability rights organisations who argue that the department should still track outcomes for those who lose support through the scheme.
Charity and Campaign Group Reactions
Disability charity Scope has branded the situation as "worrying," expressing concern about the potential consequences for disabled workers who rely on Access to Work support to maintain their employment. Meanwhile, the campaign group Access to Work Collective has been particularly vocal in its criticism of the DWP's position.
The Access to Work Collective told Yahoo News: "The DWP designs, funds and runs Access to Work, with the stated aim of helping disabled people start, stay and progress in employment. That brings a responsibility to understand whether the scheme is achieving that aim or causing harm."
The group added: "When awards are reduced, delayed or refused, the risk of job loss is entirely foreseeable. Saying 'we only support people already in work' does not remove that responsibility; it simply narrows what the department chooses to measure."
Access to Work Scheme Details and Recent Performance
The Access to Work scheme provides tailored support to disabled individuals to help them start and remain in employment. According to official figures, in the financial year ending March 2025, the scheme approved provision for 61,670 people, with 74,190 customers receiving at least one payment. The total expenditure for that period reached £320.7 million, highlighting the significant investment in this employment support programme.
Eligibility for Access to Work is relatively broad. Individuals can receive support alongside most benefits as long as they work more than one hour per week. For employed individuals, there are no earnings or savings thresholds that affect eligibility. Self-employed applicants must demonstrate an annual turnover of at least £6,500 to qualify for support.
DWP Response and Future Plans
A DWP spokesperson responded to the criticism by stating: "Access to Work supports thousands of sick or disabled people to start or stay in work, but the scheme we inherited is failing employees and employers. That's why we're working with disabled people and their organisations to improve it – ensuring people have the support, skills, and opportunities to move into good, secure jobs as part of our Plan for Change."
The department has indicated that it consulted on the future of the Access to Work scheme through the Pathways to Work Green Paper and is currently considering responses to that consultation. The DWP has promised to set out its plans for the scheme "in due course," suggesting potential reforms may be forthcoming.
For those who disagree with renewal outcomes for their Access to Work awards, the department has confirmed that customers may request a reconsideration of their award. This process allows individuals to challenge decisions that they believe do not adequately meet their employment support needs.
