Overcoming Barriers into Employment
Access to Work (AtoW)
Guest speaker John Beasley cancelled his appointment to prioritise and join us at our annual Ergonomix event this year. As an External Relations Manager, for the Access to Work Scheme delivered by the Department of Work and Pensions, he presented an overview of the this National Programme.
Disabled people sometimes experience barriers when moving into, or retaining, employment and how the scheme helps overcome these issues through grants, which cover additional costs over and above the requirements of making “reasonable adjustments” (which an employer is legally obliged to provide under the “Equality Act 2010”), was discussed.
In the past year, Over 31,400 people were helped through the scheme. This flexible programme, which focuses on the needs of the individual, encourages employers to recruit and retain disabled people by offering practical help and advice.
John discussed eligibility, permitted work, types of help, mental health support issues, and the new Enterprise Allowance programme introduced on14th January 2013.
For more details on HWS’s support to the Access to Work scheme please visit our services page.