Recruitment drive to tackle Access to Work backlog announced by Government

A drive to recruit 480 new case managers and caseworkers at the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) will aim to cut waiting lists for Access to Work, the Government has said.

The DWP hopes that the recruitment will allow Access to Work claims to be processed more quickly, with the current backlog shrinking by September 2027.

The recruitment represents a 72% increase to the 658 people currently working on the scheme, the DWP said.

The department noted that new case managers will receive “extensive training to handle complex applications, ensuring disabled people receive timely support to secure and sustain employment.”

The Access to Work scheme can provide support to allow people with disabilities, including those with visual impairments, into work.

Support might include funding for specialist equipment or for assistive technology, for British Sign Language interpreters, or for support whilst commuting.

The recruitment drive comes after years of delays in processing Access to Work claims. Currently, the waiting list stands at around 60,000 people.

Access to Work cases where applicants are due to start work within four weeks are already being prioritised, the DWP said.

The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) has campaigned to see improvements to Access to Work for a number of years.

Roisin Jacklin, the charity’s policy lead, called the recruitment drive “a much-needed step towards tackling the severe backlog that has left blind and partially sighted people waiting around a year, and in some cases far longer, for vital support.”

Delays to accessing the scheme in recent years has had a “devastating impact,” Jacklin said, with many of those affected “unable to carry out large parts of their role, and some even losing their jobs altogether.”

Jacklin emphasised that improving staffing levels is essential if Access to Work is to deliver support within a reasonable timeframe and prevent “further harm to people’s employment and independence.”

The RNIB also noted that Access to Work employees must be made aware of the realities of work for those living with sight loss.

“To ensure robust, well-informed decision making, it’s critical that both new and existing staff are properly trained in sight loss so that assessments reflect the realities of how people work,” Jacklin said.

“Concerns about cuts to support at renewal, despite no change in circumstances, must also be urgently addressed.”

Jacklin added: “If the Government is serious about enabling more disabled people to enter and stay in work, Access to Work must be adequately resourced, responsive, and consistent, so blind and partially sighted people can focus on progressing in their careers rather than fighting for the support they need.”