Access to Work

We all have the right to work. Access to Work has been set up to provide a grant to help towards the additional costs associated with barriers faced by a disabled person in work.

What it's about

Delivered by Job Centre Plus, the programme provides practical advice for businesses wishing to employ disabled people – full time or part-time. It offers a grant and guidance to disabled individuals who are already working, self-employed or looking for a job. Funding is available to help pay for any adaptations to the working environment or installation of any special equipment, providing it's above and beyond the reasonable adjustments you as an employer are legally obliged to provide under the Equality Act.

How it Works

Access to Work offers a grant to reimburse the cost of any support needed. The funding is assessed on an individual basis to ensure the best possible solution is found for everyone.

The level of grant depends on:

  • whether the person is employed or self-employed
  • how long your employee has been in his / her first job
  • the type of help needed

However, grants of up to 100% will be considered for:

  • self-employed people
  • employees who have been working for less than 6 weeks when they first apply
  • the Mental Health Service
  • support workers
  • additional travel to work and travel in work costs
  • communication support at interviews

Applications for Access to Work will be capped at £66,000 per year.

Access to Work grants awarded on or after 1 October 2015 are capped. The amount of the cap depends on when your grant was awarded or last reviewed.

Please note if your disabled employee has been working in your business for more than 6 weeks before applying, the business may be expected to share some of the costs. So the sooner you apply the better.

Who is eligible?

The employee receives the support directly. To be eligible for help, he/she must:

  • have an impairment or health condition that means they need an aid, adaptation or financial or human support to do their job
  • be over 16 years of age
  • be in, or about to start paid employment (including self-employment)
  • normally live and work in England, Scotland or Wales
  • not be claiming Incapacity Benefit or Employment and Support Allowance once they are in work

What's in it for your business?

  • the opportunity to ensure all your employees are able to showcase their talents and abilities
  • a committed, motivated and competent workforce dedicated to your business
  • help to keep an existing employee who acquires and impairment or health condition during their working life
  • getting ahead of the competition in the search for talent

IT'S TIME to ensure everyone has access to work

Call the Business Wales Helpline on 03000 6 03000 or contact us.