Can Disability Grant Cuts Sink My Successful Business?

Josh Wintersgill's struggle highlights the precarious position of disabled entrepreneurs relying on government support to sustain their businesses. The Access to Work scheme, intended to aid disabled individuals in their employment, has faced significant cuts, leaving many like Josh fearing for their livelihoods. Current reviews and discussions around the programme's efficacy indicate a growing crisis that could jeopardise the future of disabled workers across the UK.

Last updated: 25 October 2023 (BST)

Understanding the Access to Work Scheme

The Access to Work scheme is a government initiative designed to provide grants to support disabled individuals in the workplace. This funding can cover a range of necessary costs, including transport, specialised equipment, and assistance from support workers. The aim is to enhance accessibility and inclusivity for disabled workers, enabling them to perform their jobs effectively.

Key Takeaways

• Josh Wintersgill's Access to Work support was reduced from five days to one day per week.
• The Business Disability Forum warns that the system is setting disabled workers up for failure.
• Spending on Access to Work increased by 41% to £257.8 million for the 2023-24 period.
• Delays in processing applications have left thousands of disabled workers awaiting support.
• Employers are struggling to retain disabled employees due to the inefficiencies of the Access to Work scheme.

The Impact of Funding Cuts on Disabled Entrepreneurs

Josh Wintersgill has run his business for six years, providing products that help wheelchair users travel. His success has been largely attributed to the assistance from the Access to Work scheme, which provided him with a support worker five days a week. This support was crucial for him to manage tasks such as packing, shipping orders, and handling customer interactions. However, following a reassessment, his funding was slashed by 80%, leaving him with only one day of support each week.

“Without my support worker, I wouldn’t be able to run my company,” Josh stated, highlighting the essential nature of this assistance. With the grant running out in July and no replacement support since, he has resorted to using his own savings to keep his business afloat, which he admits is becoming increasingly difficult.

The Broader Picture: Challenges Faced by Disabled Workers

Josh’s situation is not unique. Many disabled individuals have reported similar experiences, where their Access to Work grants have been reduced or completely withdrawn. The result has left many feeling insecure in their jobs or, in some cases, forced to shut down their businesses altogether. The Business Disability Forum has indicated that this trend is undermining the government's goal to increase employment among disabled people to 80%.

In a recent interview, the Minister for Social Security and Disability, Sir Stephen Timms, acknowledged the difficulties faced by the Access to Work scheme, attributing the issues to the increasing demand for support. As of February 2025, there were 62,000 applications pending and 33,000 individuals awaiting payments, showcasing the overwhelming backlog within the system.

Personal Accounts: Voices from the Community

Lexie O’Connor, who has been a part of the Sea Change café in Sunderland since its opening in 2019, shared her experience with the Access to Work scheme. Lexie, who also has a disability, reported a ten-month wait for her reapplication, which resulted in a significant reduction of her support worker's hours. This left the café struggling to compensate for the gap.

“A lot of employers physically would not be able to manage keeping people like myself employed,” Lexie expressed. The impact of the cuts not only affects the employees but also compromises the quality of the work environment. Lexie noted that the café has already had to let go of staff due to the lack of support, raising concerns about job security among her colleagues.

Wider Implications for Employers

Employers like Allianz UK have also expressed their struggles with the Access to Work scheme. Diana Salmon from Allianz highlighted the long waiting times for support awards, which can take longer than ten months. Such delays can dissuade potential applicants from considering job offers, especially when special equipment is needed for them to perform their duties effectively. Diana remarked, “We want to provide an inclusive environment, but without timely Access to Work funding for colleagues with complex disabilities, they are potentially being excluded.”

Government Review and Future Prospects

The government's recent consultation on the Access to Work scheme closed in June, and discussions are ongoing regarding potential reforms. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has indicated that it inherited a failing system and aims to develop future policies that better serve disabled workers and their employers.

Angela Matthews, Director of Public Policy and Research at the Business Disability Forum, has called for a more efficient and adequately resourced Access to Work programme. She emphasised that both disabled individuals and their employers are being let down by the current system, which fails to provide the necessary support for inclusivity in the workplace.

Calls for Urgent Action

In response to the ongoing issues, the Access to Work Collective was established, advocating for individuals facing challenges with their applications. The group recently sent an open letter to the Prime Minister, urging him to take immediate action to rectify the flaws in the Access to Work scheme.

Conclusion: The Need for an Inclusive Future

The challenges faced by Josh Wintersgill and others like him underscore the urgent need for reform within the Access to Work scheme. While the government acknowledges the importance of this programme, significant changes are necessary to ensure that disabled workers are not left vulnerable and unsupported. The future of disabled entrepreneurship and employment in the UK hangs in the balance, highlighting an essential conversation about inclusivity and accessibility in the workplace.

As discussions continue, one must consider how best to support disabled individuals and their contributions to the workforce. What can be done to ensure that the Access to Work scheme evolves into a more reliable and effective resource for all? #AccessToWork #DisabilityAwareness #InclusiveWorkplace

FAQs

What is the Access to Work scheme?

The Access to Work scheme is a government initiative that provides grants to help disabled individuals cover additional costs associated with their employment, such as support workers, transport, and specialised equipment.

How has the Access to Work scheme changed recently?

Many disabled workers have reported significant cuts to their funding, with some receiving reduced hours for support workers or losing financial assistance altogether, despite no changes in their personal circumstances.

What are the consequences of cuts to the Access to Work scheme?

Cuts to the scheme can lead to job insecurity for disabled workers, forcing some to shut their businesses or turn down job offers due to lack of necessary support.

What is being done to address the issues with the Access to Work scheme?

The government is currently reviewing the scheme and has consulted on potential reforms. Advocacy groups are pushing for urgent changes to improve efficiency and resource allocation.

How many applications are pending for Access to Work support?

As of February 2025, approximately 62,000 applications were waiting to be processed, with around 33,000 individuals awaiting payments.