Access to Work and Disability Confident schemes available to North-east businesses

The Department for Work and Pensions is working to embed and expand the Access to Work and Disability Confident schemes across companies in the North-east. Read on to learn how you and your employees can benefit.

Access to Work

Are you struggling to retain or recruit talented employees? Help is available to support you in these critical areas.

Access to Work is a programme that funds practical support to break down the barriers in accessing or retaining work. If people have a disability, learning difference or health condition Access to Work is designed to help them stay in work or start a job. It’s tailored to their individual needs and will make sure they have the reasonable adjustments they need to reach their full potential.

It’s important to note that Access to Work provides a grant – currently capped at £69,260 per year and as an employer, you may be asked to contribute towards the costs depending on the size of your company.

Some examples of support met by Access to Work: 

• Aid and equipment in the workplace
• Adaptations to existing equipment to make it easier to use
• Money towards any additional travel costs associated with commuting to work, or for travel costs associated with work
• Free Access to Work Mental Health Support Service 
• Disability awareness training for their colleagues

If you would like more information, please contact Martin Morley, Disability Employment Adviser Leader - Martin.Morley@DWP.GOV.UK

Disability Confident

The Disability Confident scheme could help you discover someone your business just can’t do without.

Whether an existing employee has developed a disability or health condition during their working life, or you’re looking for new recruits, being Disability Confident can help your people fulfil their potential and contribute fully to your team’s success.

Disability Confident is completely free, and as a member you’ll also be seen as leading the way in your business sector and beyond, helping to change attitudes, behaviours and cultures for the better.

Disability Confident helps businesses to:

• Draw from the widest possible pool of talent
• Secure and retain high quality staff who are skilled, loyal and hard working
• Save on the costs of recruitment and training by reducing staff turnover
• Reduce the levels and costs of sickness absences
• Improve employee morale and commitment by demonstrating that they treat all employees fairly

To find out more, search “Disability Confident” on the Gov.UK website or contact Martin Morley, Disability Employment Adviser Leader - Martin.Morley@DWP.GOV.UK to arrange a conversation.