Public and Commercial Services Union

What is the access to work scheme?

Whilst many adjustments cost nothing, or very little, if additional equipment is required, this can be costly.

Recognising that not all employers will be able or willing to meet this additional expenditure, the Access to Work Scheme exists to assist employers in meeting the additional employment costs associated with some necessary adjustments.

How much is it worth?

If an employer is taking on a new disabled employee, then Access to Work can meet up to 100% of any additional costs. For existing staff, up to 80% of costs in excess of £300 can be met.

Who authorises this?

Access to Work is administered through the Jobcentre Plus network. Access to Work advisers work closely with the disability employment advice team and can be contacted through them.

What can Access to Work Scheme pay for?

It is not only additional or alternative equipment that can be paid for through Access to Work. They could also help with, for example:

• providing communication support at interviews or other meetings
• getting a support worker to assist someone at work
• altering premises to permit access
• additional transport costs for someone who is unable to use public transport to get to and from the workplace

Exceptions

Some government departments, such as DWP do not claim Access to Work Scheme funding - they feel that this might be seen as inappropriate. 

Since October 2006 this has been extended and ministerial government departments are no longer permitted to claim funds from the Access to Work Scheme.

However, there is still the possibility of getting advice from the disability employment advice teams, and there is an undertaking from departments  to fund necessary adjustments in full.