Access to Work: Fixing Failures and Supporting Vulnerable Workers is Essential for GB’s Growth Prospects
Barbara Wilson, Founder and Director at Working With Cancer
The Access to Work Scheme is a crucial government initiative that supports those who have a physical or mental health condition, or disability in the workplace. However, the backlog in applications is not only leaving the most vulnerable in a difficult state of limbo, it is having a wider impact on society by hindering growth and productivity.
For those who are undergoing cancer treatment or returning to work post-treatment the Access to Work scheme provides essential support by funding various work-related needs. For example, the scheme offers adapted equipment like wheelchair, coaching and mental health support, and assisted travel for those with mobility difficulties. But the impact of the scheme is being severely hindered by huge operational challenges. By May 2024, the backlog of unresolved applications had soared to 37,000 – a sharp rise from 25,000 at the start of the year.
As of April 2024, applications faced an average of 44 days for a decision, with some being advised that they may have to wait up to six months for their claim to be processed. Unless urgently addressed, we will very likely see waiting times get even longer. Ultimately, this backlog is leaving the most vulnerable, their families and arguably, the economy, in a difficult state of limbo.
When it comes to tangibly supporting individuals with long-term illnesses like cancer, we should be asking ourselves, is this scheme still fit for purpose?
Supporting a Successful Return to Work
Supporting a successful return to work is vital for individuals with cancer or other physical or mental health conditions. It helps restore the feeling of normality that could have been missing for so long. Having a routine can be a huge part of this. Essential services like coaching and mental health resources can have a real impact. Both can help an individual build their confidence, adjust to new limitations, and plan for workplace challenges.
Of course, support from HR and managers is invaluable in making a return to work achievable but when schemes like the Access to Work don’t work properly or aren’t used, this can make a return to work all the more challenging.
Bridging Awareness Gaps
The Access to Work Scheme is a lifeline for individuals with disabilities or health conditions, breaking down barriers and opening up opportunities in the workplace. By providing tailored support like assistive technology, workplace adjustments, or personal assistance, it empowers people to perform their roles confidently and effectively and restores much needed independence.
The first point to address is around awareness of the scheme. Recent research, conducted by Working With Cancer and the Institute of Employment Studies (IES) amongst HR professionals, reveals that only just over half (54%) of respondents know about the Access to Work Scheme. In other words, before even getting to the application process, a shockingly large proportion of employers aren’t even aware this crucial programme exists.
The intentions of the scheme are spot on but there are still too many that don’t know about it, and those that do, have to join the end of a very long queue. This has to be fixed.
Delays in Support for Returning to Work
Beyond the lack of awareness, the scheme in its current form, is a seeing a severe backlog in the application process. This leaves too many vulnerable individuals in a severe state of uncertainty, or in some cases, for those struggling to manage their physical or mental condition, potentially without a source of employment income. Others may need to pay for essential equipment and adjustments out of their own pocket – a huge, and sometimes impossible ask for those who are already suffering financially due to time off work or high medical expenses.
Without necessary adjustments, individuals who feel physically and mentally ready to return to work may find themselves unable, practically, to do so.
Clearing the Backlog
Addressing the Access to Work backlog is critical to restoring confidence in the scheme. Applications need to be reviewed in a timely manner to really help individuals overcome barriers and confidently re-enter the workforce when they are ready to do so. This could include, implementing a streamlined approach that gives priority to those who have a more urgent case, to ensure they get support faster.
In the meantime, employers should revisit the support they offer to affected employees that are waiting for Access to Work funding by offering, for example, additional flexible working arrangements, clear signposting to helpful work benefits and establishing peer support networks.
These efforts will not only support employees by facilitating a smoother transition back to work but also encourage collaboration between Access to Work and employers. Together, they can build a more inclusive and adaptive pathway for individuals ready to rejoin the workforce, and contribute to the economic growth our society needs.
The post Access to Work: Fixing Failures and Supporting Vulnerable Workers is Essential for GB’s Growth Prospects first appeared on HR News.
