A growing backlog in the Access to Work programme has left many support workers unpaid for weeks, creating significant challenges for disabled individuals reliant on their assistance. Among those affected is Lauren Toovey, who has been working without remuneration for the past six weeks while supporting George Baker, a disability rights advocate. The situation highlights the pressing need for reform in a system that is meant to provide essential support to disabled workers across the UK.
Unpaid Support Workers Struggle Amid Backlog
Lauren Toovey plays a critical role in George Baker’s life, acting as his “arms and legs” as he manages The Disability Union, an organisation dedicated to advocating for the rights of disabled individuals. However, the delays in the Access to Work scheme have left her unpaid, despite her continued commitment to assist George. He has been unable to receive approval for his support package, even though he submitted all required documentation before the mid-December deadline.
“It’s very draining,” Lauren admitted. “I’ve got bills to pay. It takes a toll on me and my family, but I don’t want to leave George without the support. Obviously, it’s not a long-term solution.” Lauren’s responsibilities include handling physical tasks and facilitating communication during meetings, especially when George is using his ventilator and may be less comprehensible. Without her support, George emphasises that the operations of his business would come to a halt.
Rising Delays and Increased Demand
The Access to Work helpline has recently indicated that new applicants may face wait times of up to 30 weeks for their applications to be acknowledged—more than double the duration reported last year. For individuals like Rosie, a driving instructor from East Yorkshire, the situation is even more frustrating. Having applied for support in January, she finds herself still waiting to secure the job coaching she desperately needs to resume full-time work.
Rosie expressed her concern, stating, “I just need someone to help me get back to where I was, to earn more money and contribute more. Right now, I don’t feel I can work to my full potential. I’m stuck.” The emotional and financial toll of such delays is compounded for many who depend on these services to maintain their livelihoods.
Experiences of Healthcare Professionals
The struggles extend beyond the corporate sector. Dr Danielle Verity, a clinical psychologist with a visual impairment, has had her support hours unexpectedly reduced, forcing her to cancel two weekly clinics. For over a decade, she has relied on Access to Work to fulfill the demands of her role, describing her support workers as “my eyes” that enable her to see the same number of patients as her colleagues. The reduction in her support has left her alarmed and apprehensive about her career trajectory.
“This has resulted in a lack of career progression for me,” Dr Verity lamented. “I’ve plateaued, hoping I can maintain my current role.”
Government Response and Future Outlook
In response to the rising demand and subsequent delays, the government announced the recruitment of 55 new case workers in January to help alleviate the backlog. Additionally, a further 495 staff have been redeployed from other areas within the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) since January 2023. Despite these efforts, many advocates argue that the administration of the Access to Work scheme is failing to meet its intended purpose.
Dr Shani Dhanda, co-founder of the Access to Work Collective, stated, “The intent of Access to Work is in major conflict with the administration of it, and it’s only getting worse.” The government has set an ambitious target of having 80% of disabled individuals in employment, yet the current challenges within the Access to Work programme threaten this goal.
The DWP has acknowledged the increased expenditure on support workers, which rose from £78 million in 2012 to an anticipated £227 million by 2025. Meanwhile, spending on special equipment has seen a more modest increase from £8 million in 2010 to £19 million last year.
As Lauren awaits updates on her payment, George Baker expresses understanding for the pressures faced by those managing the Access to Work programme. “It’s clear that my case manager is under enormous pressure, but for us, it is extremely stressful,” he remarked.
Why it Matters
The ongoing delays in the Access to Work scheme highlight a critical failure in the support system for disabled workers, revealing not only the personal toll on individuals like Lauren and George but also the broader implications for workforce participation among disabled people. As the government grapples with the increasing demand for services, the need for systemic reform has never been clearer. Ensuring timely and adequate support is not simply a matter of policy; it is essential for fostering a more inclusive workforce and empowering disabled individuals to fulfil their potential.
