A new qualitative research study, commissioned by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), has shed light on the experiences of individuals applying for and employers engaging with the Access to Work (AtW) scheme. The research, conducted by The National Centre for Social Research (NatCen), sought to understand the entire journey, from initial awareness to the perceived impact of the support received, with a view to informing future policy and service improvements.
The AtW scheme provides grants to help disabled people start or stay in work. The NatCen study aimed to address significant gaps in existing evidence regarding the scheme's effectiveness and the factors influencing a person's decision to apply. Researchers specifically investigated how applicants and employers become aware of AtW, what motivates individuals to seek support, and how personal circumstances and employer interactions shape their experience through the process. This includes understanding how AtW complements, or operates independently of, employers' existing reasonable adjustment obligations.
Dr. Emma Smith, a lead researcher at NatCen, stated that the findings will be crucial in refining the scope for any future evaluation of the scheme. The study aligns with recommendations from NatCen's own 2018 feasibility report, which called for a deeper understanding of the 'triggers and trajectories' of a recipient's journey into an AtW claim and approval, as well as how employers' use of reasonable adjustments interacts with these claims. The research provides a detailed qualitative insight, complementing existing official statistics and helping to contextualise administrative trends.
The report highlights that a better understanding of these journeys and the support needs of AtW customers, alongside how employers engage throughout the process, will be vital for improving both policy and service delivery. It delves into the operational and policy challenges experienced across the AtW journey, strengthening the overall evidence base available to the DWP. While specific findings regarding these challenges were not detailed in the summary, the report is expected to provide granular insights into these areas.
These findings are not yet peer-reviewed but represent a significant contribution to the DWP's understanding of a crucial support mechanism for disabled people in the UK workforce. The research aims to move beyond simple statistics, offering a human-centred perspective on the practicalities and challenges faced by those the scheme is designed to help. This deeper insight is expected to guide targeted improvements in how AtW is communicated, accessed, and delivered across the country, potentially fostering a more inclusive working environment.