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Help Stop the Cuts to Access to Work Support for Neurodiversity

The Government is considering sweeping reforms to disability benefits—and the Access to Work scheme could be significantly affected.

This vital programme funds reasonable adjustments in the workplace for disabled and neurodivergent people. Every year, thousands rely on it for coaching, support workers, and adaptive equipment to help them stay in employment.

Now, these supports are at risk.

What’s Happening?

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has launched a consultation—Pathways to Work—which may result in major changes to health and disability benefits, including Access to Work.

In Parliament, Sir Stephen Timms, Minister for Social Security and Disability, said:

“Access to Work is not in a good shape at the moment… We will need to make some fairly significant reforms and look at whether employers can do more.”
(Disability News Service)

Meanwhile, the Daily Mail reported:

“We recognise that the benefits system needs reform, which is why we are expecting to publish major proposals this Spring.”

Spending on Access to Work rose by 41% in 2023/24—evidence that demand is growing. Despite this, the Government is signalling cuts, while simultaneously launching initiatives to improve employment for neurodivergent people, including creating an employment barriers panel (iNews).

We believe cutting Access to Work would undermine these goals and harm the very people they claim to support.

What Can You Do?

Take part in the Government’s Pathways to Work consultation before June 30th.

This is your chance to influence decisions that affect the future of Access to Work. While the consultation covers many areas, question 15 focuses specifically on Access to Work.

Here’s how you can help:

Anyone can respond—individuals, employers, service providers, and allies.

If you’ve benefited from Access to Work, or know someone who has, your voice matters now more than ever.

About Neurodiversity UK

Neurodiversity UK is working in close partnership with Admin & More, along with other organisations, to raise awareness of this vital Government consultation.

Neurodiversity UK is a social enterprise that champions peer support and inclusion. We host a community events directory to help neurodivergent people find connection and support, and we run a monthly Neurodivergent Access to Work support group to share guidance and support on the scheme. We also work with individuals and workplaces, offering one-to-one coaching, mediation, and neurodiversity awareness training. 

See our Access To Work support group here.

References

  1. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14303747/ADHD-sickfluencers-rise-self-diagnosed-mental-health-claiming-69k-year.html
  2. https://www.disabilitynewsservice.com/minister-suggests-cuts-are-coming-to-access-to-work-scheme/
  3. https://inews.co.uk/news/politics/neurodiverse-people-on-benefits-to-be-helped-into-work-in-bid-to-cut-welfare-bill-3511150
  4. https://www.disabilityrightsuk.org/news/access-work-scheme-owes-businesses-thousands?srsltid=AfmBOooOWV2MMQ5azz760-4SMQZiYsCVlBmh2Ih8z7spClWSStG1Vj2G
  5. https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/pathways-to-work-reforming-benefits-and-support-to-get-britain-working-green-paper

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