ACCESS TO WORK
Guide For Employers
WHAT IS ACCESS TO WORK?
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Access to Work is a publicly funded employment support programme that aims to help more disabled people start or stay in work. It can provide practical and financial support if you have a disability or long term physical or mental health condition.
HOW WILL IT HELP MY COMPANY?
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You retain employees with disabilities or long term conditions (keeping their valuable skills and saving time and money recruiting a replacement)
You support and value employees by having good employment policies and practices.
It provides a safety net for employees with mental health conditions and makes managers more aware and confident of disabilities and mental health conditions.
HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?
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You may have to share the cost with Access to Work if the person has been working for you for more than six weeks when they apply for Access to Work. Cost share does not apply to self-employed applicants or to the Mental Health Support Service.
WHAT TYPE OF SUPPORT IS AVAILABLE?
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Support will depend on the employee's needs and their role. It can include:
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Job Coaching & Strategy Training and Mentoring
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Disability Awareness and Training for Managers and other Staff
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Assistive Technology Software and Training
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Equipment adaptation and aids, Travel Costs and much more...
HOW TO APPLY?
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The employee needs to make the application for Access to Work, which they can do via phone or online at https://www.gov.uk/access-to-work
Managers/HR or Training Departments can all support employees to apply and ensure they get the right support.
HOW TO GET THE MOST OUT OF ACCESS TO WORK
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Make employees aware of the program and support them to apply as soon as they start work and before the 6 week deadline.
Train managers to identify possible needs and support applications as soon as possible.
Develop a relationship with a training company (like PDC) and use them for all provision, this will improve outcomes for the employee and company