A National Audit Office (NAO) report has exposed severe delays in the Access to Work scheme, with disabled Britons facing average waits of over 100 days for crucial workplace support grants. The findings highlight a system struggling under increased demand, particularly for mental health and neurodiversity assistance.
Unacceptable Delays Impacting Job Security
The NAO investigation revealed that by November 2025, processing times had ballooned to 109 working days, far exceeding acceptable standards. These extensive backlogs are not just bureaucratic inefficiencies; they are directly harming individuals' employment prospects and creating cash flow crises for employers who rely on the scheme to fund necessary workplace adjustments.
Surge in Demand Overwhelms System
Since the 2018/19 period, applications for the Access to Work programme have more than doubled. This dramatic increase is largely driven by a growing need for support related to mental health conditions and neurodiversity, reflecting broader societal shifts in workplace inclusivity and awareness.
Disability equality charity Scope has condemned what it describes as the "brutal reality" of these delays, labeling the treatment of disabled people as unacceptable. The charity emphasizes that timely support is essential for enabling disabled individuals to participate fully in the workforce and maintain their livelihoods.
Calls for Urgent Reform
In response to the NAO report, Parliament's Public Accounts Committee has joined Scope in demanding immediate action to address the backlogs. Key recommendations include:
- Improving administrative efficiency within the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)
- Conducting thorough impact assessments to understand the full effects of delays
- Implementing measures to prevent future backlogs and ensure timely processing
The committee warns that without swift intervention, the scheme risks failing its core mission of promoting disability inclusion in the workplace, potentially exacerbating economic inequalities for disabled Britons.
