The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed a significant change that will affect claimants of Universal Credit, Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), and Income Support. The DWP hopes that tens of thousands of disabled people requiring support to enter or remain in employment will see their claims processed more quickly.
Massive Recruitment Drive to Tackle Backlog
The DWP has announced a massive recruitment drive aimed at clearing the backlog in the Access to Work scheme. Nearly 500 additional staff are to be recruited to address the inherited backlog, as demand for Access to Work has skyrocketed. Currently, 60,000 applicants are awaiting a decision.
Labour Party Pat McFadden, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, stated: "Access to Work is a lifeline for disabled people and those with health conditions, helping them to start and stay in work, but when I came to the DWP it was clear there was a major issue with people waiting for a decision."
He added: "That’s why I’m taking action to clear the backlog, because we know that the right support can change lives. This is part of our wider commitment to move from a welfare state to a working state, building an economy that works for everyone."
No Need for Disability Benefits to Qualify
It is important to note that claimants do not need to be receiving disability benefits to qualify for Access to Work. However, according to Scope, specific benefits such as Universal Credit, ESA, and Income Support can act as 'passports' or work in tandem with the grant.
Jon Sparkes OBE, Chief Executive of learning disability charity Mencap, welcomed the announcement: "We welcome the government taking action to clear the Access to Work backlog."
He continued: "Payment delays are putting enormous pressure on disabled people who rely on this vital support to get into and stay in work, as well as charities like Mencap who employ and support them. People with a learning disability can be fantastic employees, but many will need the right support to thrive in the workplace."
Sparkes added: "Access to Work is one of the best ways to support disabled people in work, for example funding dedicated job coaches who help people with a learning disability to develop their skills in the workplace, build confidence, and sustain paid employment. This recruitment drive is a positive step in tackling the systematic delays and bogged down administration that has threatened this vital programme."
He concluded: "If Access to Work runs as intended, it will help reduce the disability employment gap and get more people with a learning disability into paid work. We look forward to seeing this announcement translate into real, lasting improvement."
