We've signed this open letter calling for an urgent review of Access to Work - will you?

We’re supporting the Access to Work Collective’s call for urgent reform of Access to Work, a vital scheme meant to remove barriers for Disabled people in employment. Right now it’s failing badly: delays, cuts, and bureaucracy are forcing people out of jobs, closing businesses, and creating further hardship.

They have collected overwhelming anecdotal evidence that changes to Access to Work are already being implemented before any official review has taken place. Many people are reporting 60–80% cuts or even total withdrawal of their support, with no explanation.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) claims they are simply “implementing existing policy” and that previous awards had become “too generous.”

There is nothing “too generous” about supporting Disabled people in work and helping to remove systemic barriers to access, it’s the bare minimum. 86% of surveyed Disabled workers say Access to Work is essential for keeping their job or running their business, and 100% of employers say their Disabled staff would struggle without it.

The DWP’s actions are increasingly concerning, and Disabled people deserve transparency about what is going on behind the scenes. We know there is a review of Access to Work on the way, but we are still pressing clarity on its scope, its timeline, and how co-production with Disabled people will be embedded.

Until we have the information we deserve, we’ll continue to use our voices and fill the Government’s pointed silence. We’ve signed the open letter to the Prime Minister, and we’re asking for your help, too.

Here’s what you can do right now:

1. Read the open letter (opens in Google doc)
2. Sign the open letter
3. Write to your MP raising your concern. Access to Work Collective's template is available to download.

 Learn more about the Access to Work Collective

Reform can only begin by listening to those it’s meant to serve. 

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