RNIB has launched a new report outlining how lengthy delays to the UK Government’s Access to Work scheme are holding many people with sight loss back from entering the workplace or carrying out existing roles.
When it functions well, the Access to Work scheme provides crucial support for many blind and partially sighted workers. However, this new report highlights how current delays, often as long as six months for applications and claims to the scheme, are putting thousands of jobs at risk for people with disabilities or long-term health conditions, including many people with sight loss.
During a cost of living crisis, it is more important than ever that the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), who run the scheme, takes urgent and comprehensive action to tackle the serious delays so that more blind and partially sighted people can enter employment or retain an existing job.
RNIB is today calling on Work and Pensions Secretary, Mel Stride MP, to provide adequate resources to Access to Work so that support is put in place within four weeks of any application, and so claims are promptly processed.
Our view is that the ongoing delays in administration of the scheme are so significant as to risk being unlawful.
To learn more or read the report, go to rnib.in/AccessToWorkDelays.
