"Disabled people are enduring average waits exceeding 100 days for crucial support applications designed to help them secure or maintain employment, a new report reveals. A leading disability equality charity has condemned the findings from the National Audit Office (NAO), describing the public spending watchdog's report as "laying bare the brutal reality for disabled people trying to get into and stay in work.""
"The NAO report highlights significant "delays and backlogs" within the Access to Work scheme, which has been operational across England, Scotland, and Wales since 1994. This vital programme allows applicants with physical or mental health conditions or disabilities to apply for grants covering practical workplace support, mental health management, or communication assistance for job interviews. Demand for the scheme has "increased significantly" in recent years, according to the NAO."
Disabled people are waiting an average of more than 100 days for Access to Work support applications intended to help secure or maintain employment. A leading disability equality charity condemned the National Audit Office (NAO) findings as evidence of the brutal reality faced by applicants. The NAO identified significant delays and backlogs within the Access to Work scheme, which has operated across England, Scotland and Wales since 1994. The programme funds grants for practical workplace support, mental health management and communication assistance for job interviews. Applications rose from 76,100 in 2018/19 to an expected 157,000 in 2024/25.
Read at www.independent.co.uk
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