The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is facing renewed scrutiny over Access to Work (AtW) cuts that have left thousands of disabled people in limbo. Nearly two years after Labour came to power in July 2024, the full reasoning behind reductions in AtW packages remains elusive, with officials citing “verbal updates” and internal training changes rather than formal policy decisions.
Disability News Service (DNS) has been pressing for almost a year to see the memo sent to AtW managers that coincided with a surge in application rejections—up more than 12% in 2024-25 and an additional 22% between April and October 2025-26. While a previously undisclosed “stealth” real-terms cut to the maximum AtW award has been acknowledged, ministers insist it only accounts for a fraction of the reduction.
The Missing Memo
The DWP maintains that enhanced case manager training to ensure consistent application of AtW guidance does not constitute a policy change requiring ministerial approval. As a result, the department claims there is no record of when Social Security and Disability Minister Sir Stephen Timms was informed about these adjustments. This assertion leaves DNS and campaigners without the documentation they need to fully understand the cuts.
“Case manager learning was improved, to equip them with the necessary skills and expertise to apply the Access to Work policy and guidance fairly and consistently,” DWP said previously. Yet the department cannot—or will not—clarify when the training began or exactly how staff were informed.
Recruitment Drive to Tackle Backlog
In response to mounting criticism, ministers have announced the recruitment of nearly 500 additional AtW staff to address a backlog of approximately 60,000 applicants. This represents a 72% increase over the current 658 employees handling the scheme and aims to clear the queue over the next 16 months.
DWP highlighted that staff numbers have already increased by 30% since March 2024, urgent-start-date applications are now decided within 28 days for 96% of cases, and previous payment delays have been resolved. However, campaigners argue these moves, while positive, are long overdue.
Impact on Disabled Workers
Caroline Collier, CEO of Inclusion Barnet’s Campaign for Disability Justice, stressed that while the recruitment boost is welcome, it does not undo the harm caused by delayed decisions and reductions in essential accessibility support. “Thousands of disabled people are enduring delays of 18 months or more, whilst the government decides what essential accessibility tools they can have,” she said. “The DWP’s own reports confess that this has caused people to lose their jobs.”
Access to Work enables a wide range of disabled people—from teachers to barristers—to participate fully in the workforce. Collier warned that without timely reform, the programme risks leaving vulnerable employees stranded, eroding career opportunities and independence.
Wider Reforms on the Horizon
DWP officials say further reforms to AtW are under consideration, with announcements expected later this year. Meanwhile, the department continues to face pressure from campaigners and the media to release documentation explaining both the cutbacks and the enhanced case manager training.
| Metric | 2018-19 | 2024-25 | 2025-26 (Apr–Oct) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application rejection increase | Baseline | +12% | +22% |
| Staff numbers | Baseline | +30% | +72% planned |
| Backlog | Baseline | Growing | ~60,000 applicants |
The DWP’s handling of Access to Work illustrates a tension between operational decisions and ministerial oversight, raising questions about transparency and accountability for disabled people relying on the programme.
FAQs
1. What is Access to Work (AtW)?
AtW is a UK government programme providing support and funding for disabled people to start or stay in work.
2. Why have AtW application rejections increased?
The DWP cites enhanced case manager training and stricter guidance application, though documentation explaining the timing is not publicly available.
3. How many new AtW staff will be recruited?
Nearly 500, increasing current staffing by 72% to address a backlog of ~60,000 applicants.
4. What is the impact of delays in AtW decisions?
Delays have caused disabled people to lose jobs, face long waits for essential accessibility tools, and create career disruptions.
5. Are further reforms planned?
Yes, the DWP is considering broader AtW reforms expected to be announced later in 2026.
