Severe delays in processing vital benefit payments by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) are directly causing people to lose their jobs, experts have warned in the lead-up to Christmas.
Record Waits and Slashed Funding
According to an investigation, disabled workers are facing record waiting times for Access to Work funding, a crucial grant designed to help them overcome workplace barriers. These DWP wait times have more than doubled in the last 18 months.
Mark Lane, a prominent TV gardening presenter and author, has spoken out after his own funding was dramatically cut. Having used the grant for six years to cover a support worker, Lane was disgusted to discover his allocation had been reduced by £18,000.
"The name of the grant is Access to Work, but because of what they've awarded me, they're prohibiting me from accessing all of my work," the BBC Gardeners’ World star told Yahoo News. He described the renewal process as "crazy" and expressed frustration that the DWP failed to communicate the extended processing times.
Systemic Failures and Real-World Consequences
The problems extend far beyond individual cases. Sheldon McMullan, CEO of Yateley, highlighted massive inconsistencies in the awards process.
"There have been massive inconsistencies in the awards for five individuals of near identical needs," McMullan stated. He revealed that many claims are declined without reason, forcing his organisation to spend time chasing explanations. This led to six months of arrears in March of this year.
The financial shortfall has had a direct impact on employment opportunities. "We have closed our waiting list for more roles at 25 people - it could be 50, because we cannot make up the £11,000 shortfall between the grant and the cost of employing and supporting a disabled adult," McMullan added, illustrating how the DWP's failures are stifling job creation.
DWP Response and a 'Plan for Change'
When confronted with these issues, a DWP spokesperson acknowledged there are problems with the Access to Work scheme. The department stated it is "working with disabled people and their organisations to improve it" as part of its 'Plan for Change', aiming to ensure people have the support to move into secure jobs.
However, for disabled workers and their employers currently struggling with the delays and inconsistent awards, this promised change cannot come soon enough, with livelihoods hanging in the balance.
