Employment

Information for Employers - Access to Work Scheme

Summary: Assistance for disabled people in paid employment or with a job to start

What is Access to Work?

Access to Work (AtW) is a scheme run by Jobcentre Plus. The scheme provides advice and practical support to disabled people and their employers to help overcome work related obstacles resulting from a disability.

As well as giving advice and information to disabled people and employers, AtW pays a grant through Jobcentre Plus towards any extra employment costs that result from a disability.

What type of help is provided through Access to Work?

Access to Work (AtW) can help in a number of ways. For example, it can help pay for:

  • Adaptations to premises and equipment
  • Communication support at interview
  • Special aids and equipment
  • Support workers
  • Travel to work
  • Awareness training for your colleagues

Who will buy the help needed?

Once an assessment process has been completed, the AtW Adviser will agree what help can be provided through Access to Work.

It is your responsibility as the employer to purchase and provide the support required and then to reclaim the cost from AtW.

Please note that you should not purchase any items until the AtW Business Centre has notified you that they have approved the agreed support.

How much is the Access to Work grant?

Access to Work pays 100% of the approved cost for:

  • Unemployed people
  • People changing jobs with their current employer
  • Self-employed people

Whatever the employment status of the applicant, Access to Work pays up to 100% of the approved costs of help with:

  • Travel to work:
  • Communicator support at interviews
  • Support Workers

For people working for an employer who have been in the job for six weeks or more, AtW pays a proportion of the costs of support. The employer will have to pay the first £300 of the approved cost and then 20% of the total up to £10,000.

If an employee is changing jobs but staying within your employment you will need further advice on whether you are liable to pay the contribution or not. You should contact your local AtW Centre for more information.

How to apply for an Access to Work grant

You should contact your nearest AtW Business Centre directly. Advisors there will tell you more about the scheme and how it could meet your needs. You can get the contact details of your local Access to Work Centre by contacting the RNIB Employment Line.

Information for employers index

Content author: employmentline@rnib.org.uk

Last updated: 20/11/2008 11:13

Print

More info

In your area

Quiz

Which of the following groups has a higher-than-average risk of sight loss?





Your stories

Michael's story - by the time Michael was 23 he had lost his sight. After gaining new skills and a period of unemployment, he now works as a presenter on Insight Radio. “Working for Insight Radio has increased my confidence and skills. It’s great to be working for a radio station that reduces isolation and helps to create a sense of community for blind and partially sighted people.” Michael's full story