Wirral's independent local news website
Margaret Greenwood MP wants more people to receive support from a government scheme which aims to help more disabled people start or stay in work.
The Wirral West MP asked the Leader of the House of Commons to allocate time for a debate on the Access to Work scheme to enable MPs to consider ways in which the scheme might be better publicised so that more people might benefit from it.
Access to Work provides practical advice and support for disabled people and their employers to help them overcome work-related obstacles resulting from disability.
Support under the scheme can include things such as communication support for job interviews, adaptations to people’s vehicles so that they can get to work, a support worker or job coach to help people in their workplace, British Sign Language interpreters, lip speakers and note takers.
This is not an exhaustive list, and more details about the scheme, including information on eligibility and how to apply can be found on the government’s website here: https://www.gov.uk/access-to-work
People can also call the Access to Work helpline on 0800 121 7479.
According to Scope, there are more than 4.7 million disabled people in work in the UK. In 2020-21, Access to Work provision was approved for about 36,000 people.
The Wirral West MP is seeking to raise awareness of the scheme and look at ways in which government can improve take up so that more people might benefit from it.
Margaret Greenwood MP said, “For disabled people who are able to work or want to get into work, the Access to Work scheme could provide vital support.
“Around 36,000 people had Access to Work provision approved in 2020-2021. However, there are more than 4.7 million disabled people in work in the UK.
“I am concerned that there may be many people who do not know that the support is available to them. I believe that more should be done to raise awareness about the scheme and its benefits.
“Anyone who thinks they might be eligible for support under Access to Work should visit the government’s website or call the helpline.
“It is vital that disabled people who are in work and disabled people who want to get into work get the support that they need.”
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