Access to Work Plus Paused
BASE has recieved the following update from the Access to Work Policy Team
In May 2022, Access to Work launched a pilot to help understand whether the introduction of new support beyond the existing Access to Work scheme, supervision, job replacement support in-excess of current limits (20%) and unlimited job coaching would enable disabled people with high in-work support needs to take up employment. Recognising employers have a role to play, with some going further by adapting workplaces and job roles for disabled people who need more than Access to Work currently provides, was the focus to help unlock job opportunities for disabled people.
Since starting the pilot in May 2022, the AtW+ pilot has provided us with some early learning and feedback which we aim to use to improve the application process making it easier to apply for AtW+ support. This is important as we look to support more disabled people as they move into employment via Access to Work, as there is a need to ensure processes are working as well as they can.
We have taken the decision to pause the AtW+ pilot temporarily for all new applications from 1st January 2023 to ensure those improvements can be made and tested within the pilot. Any applications which are made up to and including 31st December 2022 will be considered for AtW+. All applications received from the 1st January 2023 will be considered from the standard Access to Work offer only, applications for AtW+ will not be available from 1st January 2023.
This is only a temporary pause. We plan to re-launch the AtW+ pilot from 1st April 2023 by which time communications should be available surrounding the changes to the pilot, including application process, with the aim to providing an improved experience for all applicants.