DWP are working with grassroots disability organisations (Disabled People's User Led Organisations) to provide one-to-one peer support to disabled people using the Access to Work scheme.

Through the Strengthening Disabled People's User-Led Organisations programme, 11 disability organisations from across Great Britain will be funded by the Facilitation Fund to pilot projects delivering innovative peer support for people using Access to Work.

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The projects are being piloted as part of the package of measures recommended by the Access to Work expert panel who are advising on how best to take forward the Sayce review recommendations.

From 18 February a number of measures have been implemented to improve Access to Work support, including:

· promoting the transfer of awards and funding the physical transfer of equipment when a customer moves employment or location

· introducing a 'fast-track' application process where appropriate, and

· working with employers to find more imaginative solutions to support individuals.

These follow the announced improvements to the scheme introduced in January:

· Businesses with up to 49 employees no longer have to pay a contribution towards the extra costs that disabled people in work have. This will save businesses up to £2,300 for each employee who uses the fund

· Access to Work advisers have more flexibility in deciding what equipment is funded through the scheme. This gives more choice to disabled people in work.

· Disabled people can get support through Access to Work when they set up their own business, if they are enrolled on the New Enterprise Allowance (NEA). The NEA provides expert coaching and financial support for jobseekers with a business idea.

Further information

www.gov.uk/access-to-work

Access to Work Factsheet

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Employer's Guide to Access to Work

http://www.qbasemail.com/dwp/mailresponse.asp?tid=856&em=49244&turl=http...

If you have any questions or would like to share your views or suggestions, please email us on atw.feedback@dwp.gsi.gov.uk.