UK Department for Work and Pensions Cuts Access to Work Support

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has reduced funding for its Access to Work scheme, leading to reports of significant support cuts for disabled employees. Parliamentary data indicates a sharp rise in application rejections, with approximately one in three applications denied between April and October last year, compared to 24% in 2023-24. Disability advocates have characterized these measures as stealth cuts designed to reduce costs.

Danielle Verity, a blind NHS psychologist, experienced a weekly support reduction of over 40%, dropping from 37.5 hours to 24 hours. While the Royal National Institute of Blind People identified an error that later increased her support to 28 hours, Verity expressed ongoing concerns about safely managing her patient caseload and suggested the cuts could force her to leave her role.

The DWP defended the changes as part of a Plan for Change. The agency claimed the inherited scheme was failing both employees and employers and stated it is working with disabled people and their organizations to improve the program and help users move into secure jobs.