Access to Work
Access To Work
Access to Work is a publicly funded Government support programme to assist employees who have a disability or a long term health condition (physical or mental) to stay within work.
This is an independent scheme, separate from the University. It may be an option an employee wishes to explore or could be recommended by Occupational Health.
What support can be provided?
It can provide a range of support mechanisms, examples of this being:
- providing aid and equipment in the workplace
- adapting equipment to make it easier to use
- money towards any extra travel costs to and from work if public transport is unavailable, or if vehicles need adapting
- an interpreter or other support at a job interview if you have difficulty communicating
- other practical help at work, such as a job coach or a note taker or lip speaker
Who can access the scheme?
Any employee with a disability, mental or physical health condition that impacts their role can apply for the grant, regardless of their length of service.
How to Apply?
The application form is employee led and details of the scheme, eligibility, and how to apply is available on the Government site here: https://www.gov.uk/access-to-work
When applying for Access to Work, please do notify your PPC Business Advisor and your line manager.
Once Access to Work has done their assessment, they will usually send a copy of the support needed and funding that can be provided to both the employer and yourself.
Your PPC Business Partner can help will then liaise with you and your line manager around putting the support in place.
The ordering of equipment and any claiming of refunds must be managed by the individual’s department. It is the responsibility of the department to ensure that any equipment is returned should the individual leave the University.
Please be aware that as this is not a University scheme the process is to be managed locally.
