A growing grassroots campaign is warning that the government’s Access to Work scheme, which supports disabled people in employment, is now in serious jeopardy. The Access to Work Collective – a group of over 3,000 disabled individuals and allies – has launched the #AccessToNowhere campaign in response to mounting concerns about delays, funding reductions and mismanagement since early 2024.

Launched in 1994, the scheme provides practical help like specialist equipment, transport support, BSL interpreters and workplace assistants, allowing disabled employees to access and stay in work. It also eases pressure on employers by covering costs that might otherwise deter inclusive hiring. Despite its proven benefits, many now face award cuts of up to 60% and months-long delays in both new applications and renewals.

Campaigners say the system is now overwhelmed, with 62,000 applications still awaiting decisions and a backlog of 33,000 unpaid claims. Behind these statistics are real people – some who have already lost their jobs, and others struggling to stay in work without the support they’ve been promised.

Public figures like Rose Ayling-Ellis and Adam Pearson have condemned the cuts. They argue the scheme’s collapse risks pushing thousands of disabled people out of employment, calling it a failure of leadership and a step backwards for disability rights in the UK.