Disabled Britons Endure Unacceptable Delays for Crucial Workplace Support
A damning new report from the National Audit Office has exposed severe delays within the Access to Work scheme, with disabled people now facing average waiting times exceeding 100 days for vital employment support. The public spending watchdog's investigation reveals a system struggling under dramatically increased demand, leading to what disability equality charity Scope describes as "unacceptable treatment" for vulnerable applicants.
Growing Backlogs Threaten Employment Prospects
The Access to Work programme, operational across England, Scotland, and Wales since 1994, provides grants to help people with physical or mental health conditions or disabilities secure and maintain employment. These crucial funds cover practical workplace support, mental health management assistance, and communication help for job interviews.
However, the NAO report highlights significant "delays and backlogs" that have developed within the system. The average processing time for applications reached 109 working days in November 2025, a dramatic increase from just 28 working days in 2021/22 and far exceeding the Department for Work and Pensions' 25-day target.
Surge in Demand Driven by Changing Awareness
Demand for the scheme has more than doubled in recent years, with applications soaring from 76,100 in 2018/19 to an anticipated 157,000 in 2024/25. While the DWP states it lacks a definitive cause for this surge, it believes the growth is likely driven by increased identification of mental health conditions and neurodiversity across society.
DWP data supports this assessment, showing applications for support due to mental health or learning conditions rose sharply from 11,200 (30% of recipients) in 2018/19 to 37,900 (51%) in 2024/25. The department also noted increased applicants with conditions categorised as "other," which likely includes neurodivergent individuals.
Consequences for Employees and Employers
The NAO confirmed that delays have "a negative impact on individuals and employers." Four organisations consulted reported that application delays and late payments affected employees' job security, with some cases resulting in withdrawn job offers.
Late payments also create significant problems for employers, particularly small businesses. Three consulted organisations noted payment delays were leading to cashflow problems, with the NAO warning these issues could be "particularly damaging" for smaller enterprises.
Growing Complaints and Rising Costs
The DWP has faced a "growing number of complaints" from customers, mostly relating to processing times. In response, the department has increased staffing to handle the backlog, with spending on scheme administration rising from £12.6 million in 2021/22 to £24.4 million in 2024/25.
Despite these measures, the NAO reports the department "does not expect the backlog to fall significantly in the short term" and is awaiting the outcome of a government consultation on the scheme's future before committing to further improvements.
Official Responses and Calls for Action
Gareth Davies, head of the NAO, emphasised that while the scheme plays a "valuable role" in helping disabled people secure and sustain employment, "maximising the value for money of the scheme will require government to improve how it administers the current system."
Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, chairman of Parliament's Public Accounts Committee, acknowledged the scheme provides "significant value" but warned that demand surges have led to "significant backlogs and delays" affecting both job security and employer cashflow.
James Taylor, director of strategy at Scope, delivered perhaps the most powerful condemnation: "This report lays bare the brutal reality for disabled people trying to get into and stay in work. Access to Work can be a lifeline that allows disabled people not just to work, but to thrive. But the Government must urgently get a grip on the backlogs and properly understand the scheme's impact."
The Department for Work and Pensions has been contacted for comment regarding these significant findings about a scheme that represents a critical support mechanism for disabled employment across Britain.
