DWP Reduces Work Support Funding by Thousands with Minimal Notice
The Department for Work and Pensions is implementing significant reductions in work support funding for disabled individuals, with some claimants receiving only days' advance notice of the changes. One disabled professional has publicly condemned the DWP Access to Work modifications after experiencing a drastic £50,000 cut to her annual support allocation.
Growing Pattern of Support Reductions Reported
While there has been no official alteration to Access to Work guidance, disabled people across the country are reporting an increasing trend of funding reductions. Since the beginning of 2024, numerous claimants have experienced substantial cuts during the renewal process. Rejection rates have escalated from 24% in the 2023–24 period to approximately one-third of all applications submitted between April and October of last year.
Case Study: Becca Jiggens' Experience
Becca Jiggens, a Plymouth resident with macular disease, ADHD, and autism, operates the Work Inclusion Project, which offers in-work assistance to disabled academics, professionals, and entrepreneurs. Her annual Access to Work award previously amounted to £68,000, but this has now been diminished by £50,000 to just £18,000. She received a mere 17 days' notification of this substantial reduction.
"Access to Work have stated that I don't require someone with legal qualifications to summarize documents and assist with legal matters because artificial intelligence can perform these tasks for me," Jiggens explained to the I paper. "However, AI technology within the legal sector simply isn't adequate for these purposes."
She further elaborated: "The financial system isn't particularly visually accessible, so having someone who can review documents, ensure I'm not making significant errors, and help me navigate the process is essential for my work."
Jiggens expressed frustration with the minimal notice period: "Even if they could have provided me with two months' notice about the reduction, I would have had two months with full support to develop a new strategy. I cannot discern how this approach helps more disabled people enter the workforce."
DWP Response and Future Plans
A spokesperson for the Department for Work and Pensions responded: "Access to Work assists thousands of sick or disabled individuals in starting or maintaining employment, and the support offered through the scheme has nearly doubled over the past five years. However, we recognize that existing problems within the inherited system are failing both employees and employers."
The spokesperson continued: "That's precisely why we're collaborating with disabled people and their organizations to enhance the program—ensuring individuals have the necessary support, skills, and opportunities to transition into secure, quality jobs as part of our Plan for Change initiative."
The situation highlights ongoing challenges within disability employment support systems, with many disabled professionals facing uncertainty about their work accommodations and financial stability.
