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Access to Work Scheme — [Carolyn Harris in the Chair]
15 April 2026
Lead MP
David Chadwick
Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe
Lib Dem
Responding Minister
Diana R. Johnson
Tags
EmploymentScience & Technology
Word Count: 4058
Other Contributors: 5
At a Glance
David Chadwick raised concerns about access to work scheme — [carolyn harris in the chair] in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
The Government should take urgent steps to address the backlog, improve the speed and clarity of the system, ensure accessibility for all users, and make funding decisions that accurately reflect the reality of specialist support required by disabled individuals.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Disabled people face significant barriers in accessing the Access to Work scheme due to delays in assessments and funding decisions that do not reflect their specific needs. The waiting list has grown to 66,000 people, with some constituents waiting over nine months for an assessment and up to a year for self-employed individuals. There are also issues with the system's functionality, including forced reapplications and long reconsideration processes. Funding decisions often cut support despite unchanged needs, punishing those living in lower-wage regions like Wales.
Adam Dance
Lib Dem
Yeovil
Megan was offered an internship with Silver Lining i [1D [K in Ilminster, fully funded by Access to Work for 15 hours but only received [8D [K received funding for three hours. This has led Megan to claim universal cre [3D [K credit as she cannot find accessible employment.
Caroline Voaden
Lib Dem
South Devon
She raised concerns about the strain on the Access t [1D [K to Work scheme and provided two examples from her constituency: a self-empl [9D [K self-employed artist with selective mutism who is receiving insufficient su [2D [K support, and a local business supporting autistic and ADHD adults into work [4D [K work which has had to stop taking new clients due to low payment rates. She [3D [K She urged for real reform and an update of the outdated scheme.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Many employers wish to hire disabled people but are [K unable to do so due to the inefficiencies in the Access to Work scheme, whi [3D [K which prevents them from expediently providing necessary support. The hon. [K Gentleman agrees that there needs to be better cooperation between those se [2D [K seeking employment and their potential employers.
Jonathan Brash
Lab
Hartlepool
The Disability Poverty Campaign Group reports that a [1D [K average support under the Access to Work scheme has dropped sharply in rece [4D [K recent years, leading to a decline in job retention from 88% to 43%, hinder [6D [K hindering employment opportunities for disabled individuals.
Luke Akehurst
Lab
North Durham
He shared his personal experience with the Access to [2D [K to Work programme, highlighting its importance in helping him return to wor [3D [K work after a neurological illness. He expressed concern over reports of unp [3D [K unprocessed applications and highlighted a report by the Disability Policy [K Centre which suggested that up to 50,000 disabled people could lose their j [1D [K jobs without the scheme.
Government Response
Diana R. Johnson
Government Response
The Minister emphasised the importance of Access to Work in supporting disabled individuals and those with health conditions, aiming to remove barriers to employment. She acknowledged the challenges faced by the scheme due to increased demand and administrative backlogs but highlighted ongoing efforts to improve data systems, staffing levels, and application processing efficiency. The Minister also discussed plans for reforming Access to Work based on feedback from users and disabled people's organisations. Funding in 2024-25 stood at £321 million, up from £166 million in 2018-19, with spending on support workers representing the largest share of expenditure at 71%. The Department is also working to improve data privacy and will consult closely with stakeholders during the transition period. The goal remains to ensure that everyone who can work receives the necessary support to achieve their full potential.
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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.