Many people are unsure where to start with access to work - or even what access to work can actually do for them.
Access to Work is a government funded program to help people with any disability stay in work and achieve promotion and help them reach their potential by providing inclusive and supportive strategies and work tools to allow them to excel at their daily tasks.
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YOU CAN APPLY IF YOU:
Are aged over 16, you must be a resident and working in Great Britain.
Have a mental health condition or a disability and need support in work.
In addition, you must have one of the following:
- Already earning money in doing paid work
- About to have an interview for a job
- Starting work experience under the Youth Contract.
WHAT DOES IT COVER?
Practical help at work, such as a job coach to help develop work skills and strategies Mental Health Mentoring.
A support worker to help with daily activities.
Specialist equipment and software for your workplace.
Adapting equipment to make it easier for you to use.
Money towards any extra travel costs to and from work.
Interpreter or other support at job interviews if you have communication difficulties.
ANYTHING ELSE I SHOULD KNOW?
Apply within 6 weeks of your new job. The sooner you apply for Access to Work the more effective it will be and the more support you are likely to get.
You can choose your own supplier, even if they are not in your report.
If you are self-employed or employ less than 50 people you are unlikely to pay for any of the support.
ACCESS TO WORK EMPLOYEE - HOW DO I APPLY?
You can apply Online or by calling the Jobcentre Plus on: Telephone: 0800 121 7479
Textphone: 0800 121 7579
To find out more go to https://www.gov.uk/access-to-work
Head over to https://www.get-disability-work-support.service.gov.uk/apply/condition to start the claim.
HOW WILL IT HELP MY COMPANY?
You retain employees with disabilities or long term condition (keeping their valuable skills and saving time and money recruiting a replacement).
Support and value employees by having good employment policies and practices. It provides a safety net for employees with mental health conditions.
Make managers more aware and confident of disabilities and mental health conditions.
HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?
How much an employer contributes will depend on the size of the business.
Small businesses generally do not have to pay anything. Access to work will normally meet 100 per cent of the costs of any adaptations, equipment or training for small businesses (less than 50 employees).
Medium-sized enterprises may have to meet a small proportion of the cost - for existing employees only. You will only have to share the cost for special aids and equipment and adaptations to premises or equipment. Access to Work normally covers 100 per cent of the cost of travel and support workers.
In all cases though, Access to Work normally pay grants of up to 100 per cent for any new employee (that is, someone who has been working for less than six weeks when they first apply for Access to Work).
WHAT TYPE OF SUPPORT IS AVAILABLE?
Support will depend on the employee's needs and their role. It can include:
- Job Coaching & Strategy Training and Mentoring
- Disability Awareness and Training for Managers and other Staff
- Assistive Technology Software and Training
-Equipment adaption and aids, Travel Costs and much more.
HOW TO GET THE MOST OUT OF ACCESS TO WORK.
Make employees aware of the program and support them to apply as soon as they start work and before the 6 week deadline.
Train managers to identify possible needs and support applications as soon as possible.
Develop a relationship with a training company (like PDC) and use them for all provision, this will improve outcomes for the employee and company.
Please select the link below to view a PDF on the topic.
Access to Work Funding Information
Skills, Strategies and Outcomes How much Training is enough? This page is designed to provide a complete guide to the access to work scheme, what the access to work funding is for and what you have to do to be considered for support. The scheme provides a range a different types of training - both to the individual and in the workplace- for managers and the general workplace to allow for an inclusive, understanding work environment, it also extends to practical and physical support in the workplace in the form of professional help, assisted technology and building alterations.
Reasonable adjustments can also be requested and you should make an effort to know what you can ask for to ensure that you are getting all the support and most importantly, the right support for your individual circumstances.
| 1-2-1 Job Coaching | Different Types | Building Alterations | Support Worker | Equipment and Travel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Develop soft skills | Awareness Training - company specific for legal requirements, support and condition specifics | Adaptations to buildings such as ramps and hand holds | Drivers, sign language, interpreter for interviews | Adapted equipment - everything from chairs to screens, pens and hearing loops |
| Tailored programme | Joint Sessions Training - promotes communication and awareness | Altering the provision of services or access to the areas services delivered | Proofreading, making calls, travelling, reading and understanding information | Travel support including financial contribution towards taxi fares |
| Meta-cognition and multi-sensory delivery | Assistive Technology Training - Integrated training on assistive technology available includes strategy and skill training | |||
| Remote provision |
If you need help or advice with any of the questions below - please contact us.
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