The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that recruitment of 480 additional staff to help tackle delays in Access to Work applications is underway, with the first groups of new case managers and caseworkers already receiving training.
The update was provided by Minister for Social Security and Disability Sir Stephen Timms in response to a written parliamentary question from Labour MP Helen Hayes, who asked about waiting times for applications to the scheme, which provides financial and practical support to help disabled people and those with health conditions start or remain in employment.
In his response, Sir Stephen outlined measures being taken to reduce delays, including increasing staffing levels and prioritising applications from people due to start employment.
Backlog Reduction Plans
The department previously confirmed that it had inherited a backlog of around 57,000 applications awaiting decisions beyond the expected timescales. The number of staff working on Access to Work had already increased by around 30 per cent, from 500 in March 2024 to 657 in March 2026.
The DWP has also continued to prioritise applications from people due to start employment within four weeks. Sir Stephen previously stated: "As a result, we have eliminated delays in making payments and cleared around 96% of cases where a customer was due to start work within four weeks in 28 days."
The department announced plans to clear the backlog of applications by September 2027, with recruitment of additional staff beginning in September this year. Sir Stephen confirmed: "When recruitment is complete, we will have more than twice as many staff working on Access to Work as there were in March 2024."
Rising Demand and Delays
He added that the first groups of new case managers and caseworkers had begun comprehensive training and would shortly enter a period of supported work to develop their knowledge, skills and confidence. The recruitment drive follows a sharp increase in demand for Access to Work support.
According to the National Audit Office (NAO), applications more than doubled from 76,100 in 2018/19 to 157,000 in 2024/25. The public spending watchdog also found that outstanding applications had increased from 21,700 in March 2022 to 62,100 in March 2025.
The House of Commons Public Accounts Committee previously raised concerns about delays affecting disabled workers and employers. Its investigation found that the DWP was taking an average of 106 working days to process applications, compared with a target of 25 working days. The committee also highlighted concerns about poor communication and the impact of delays on people trying to start or remain in employment.
What is Access to Work?
Access to Work is a government scheme providing practical and financial support to people with disabilities or physical or mental health conditions. Depending on individual circumstances, funding can help cover specialist equipment, support workers, British Sign Language interpreters and additional travel costs where someone cannot use public transport because of their disability.
The support is intended to help people start work, remain in employment or become self-employed. Access to Work is available to eligible people aged 16 or over who live and work in Great Britain. Applications can be made through the Access to Work service on GOV.UK.
