Access to work is a publicly funded employment support scheme. It aims to support disabled people start or stay in work. It provides support for people who have a disability or long term physical or mental health condition. Support can be provided where someone needs support or adaptations beyond reasonable adjustments put in place by an employer.
An Access to Work grant can pay for practical support to enable an employee to start or stay in work. Self-employed can also receive support. Access to Work does not cover The Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. Northern Ireland has a different service.
Access to Work helps employers to hire disabled people with the skills you need. Moreover, it helps retain an employee who develops a disability or long term condition and, importantly, shows that you value and will support your employees because you have good employment policies and practices.
Access to Work is hugely beneficial to employees because firstly, it helps to obtain aid and equipment in the workplace. Secondly, it can be used to adapt equipment to make it easier for them to use. Thirdly, it can secure money towards any extra travel costs to, from and within work if they cannot use available public transport. Fourthly, an individual can hire an interpreter or other support at a job interview where there are difficulties in communicating. Fifthly, an individual can get access to a wide variety of support workers. Sixthly, an eligible worker can get Access to Work Mental Health Support Service and, lastly, get practical help at work, such as a job coach or a sign language interpreter.
Workplace Assessments
Must accompany any Access to Work application. If any of your employees suffer from sight loss or any other disability or impairment, a workplace assessment will help them perform at their best. Productivity can be improved, absence reduced, and morale increased whether they are in the office or working from home.
CrystalEyes can deliver assessments face-to-face or remotely.What is Involved in a Workplace Assessment?
A face-to-face workplace assessment is carried out at the employee’s main place of work and usually lasts one to three hours. CrystalEyes will speak to your employee about their job role, day-to-day activities, working environment and any barriers they are facing. Together, we will discuss what support structures and / or assistive products would be most useful in helping them with their work.
The workplace assessment report can be used to apply for a grant from the government’s Access to Work scheme. A grant can help employers cover the cost of adjustments.
