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Access to Work is a scheme administered by JobCentre Plus that exists to help disabled people fulfill their potential at work. It is accessible on a self-referral basis.
If an employee has a disability, health or mental health condition that is likely to last for 12 months or more, Access to Work can give them and their employer advice, and support with extra costs which may arise because of specific needs. For example, Access to Work might pay towards a support worker or equipment needed at work. It can also pay towards the cost of travel to and from work if the employee cannot use public transport.
The amount of financial help which may be received from Access to Work will vary depending on length of employment and what type of support is needed. A new starter with specific needs should contact Access to Work within their first 6 weeks of employment, as it will be able to pay up to 100% of any approved costs.
Access to Work will ask for a named contact in addition to the member of staff. Ideally the staff member’s Line Manager or Departmental Administrator or Departmental Equal Opportunity Liaison Officer (DEOLO) should be named as the contact, rather than a member of the Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Team.
If an employee has worked at UCL for longer than 6 weeks, they may still receive support although UCL will need to pay the first £1,000 plus 20% percent of all costs up to £10,000.
At some point after the first year, Access to Work will review individual circumstances and the support being received.
For more information and details on how to apply, please visit the government's overview.
For details on how to contact your regional Access to Work Contact Centre to check whether you can get help, please visit How to Claim.
Further information and support around reasonable adjustments is also available from the UCL Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Team.