Access to Work

Access to Work is a Government designed scheme that provides practical help to overcome the barriers that disabled* people experience in the workplace. You may not define yourself as disabled, however, if you have an impairment that restricts your ability to carry out your job then you may wish to consider this.

The Government will either pay for, or make a substantial grant towards the costs of additional support needed as a result of an impairment or disability. 

• Adaptations to premises and equipment  
• Special aids to employment
• Support workers 
• Travel to work- for extra costs in travelling to and from work 
• Communication support at interview 
•  Miscellaneous - for 'one-off' items

• New employees - 100% of identified costs of all elements Important: Must apply within 6 weeks of commencing work. 
• People changing jobs - 100% of identified costs of all elements 
• Current staff - You are required to make a one-off payment of the first £300.  Above this sum the Government will pay 80% of agreed costs up to £10,000. The Government will then pay 100% of agreed costs above £10,000. 

For more information on how to proceed with an application contact your HR Adviser. For more details on the Access to Work scheme see Dept. of Work and Pensions website: Access to Work.

Issues	Contact
Concerning staff	Abida Akram, Staff Development Adviser, Equality and Diversity Telephone: 01509 222389 E Mail: A.P.Akram@lboro.co.uk
Concerning students	James Kirby, Head of Disability and Additional Needs Section (DANS) Telephone: 01509 222769 Email: J.A.Kirby@lboro.ac.uk
For appraisals of work stations	Wendy Jones Occupational Health Adviser Telephone: 01509 282351. E mail: W.Jones@lboro.ac.uk

For any other information please contact your HR Adviser.

The World Health Organisation say that a disability (resulting from an impairment) is a restriction or lack of ability to perform an activity in the manner or within the range considered normal for a human being.

Author Human Resources (LAM) Updated March 2009