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UK Access to Work Costs Surge Amid Mental Health Crisis

11/24/2025

35 8 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The UK's Access to Work scheme cost rose by 22% to £321 million in the past year.
About 74,190 people received an average payment of £4,000, with a significant portion used for gadgets rather than essential services.
The number of mental health claims has surged since Covid, putting pressure on the government.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves faces funding challenges for welfare while Conservative leaders criticize benefit reliance.

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Story summary

The UK's Access to Work scheme cost rose by 22% to £321 million in the past year.
About 74,190 people received an average payment of £4,000, with a significant portion used for gadgets rather than essential services.
The number of mental health claims has surged since Covid, putting pressure on the government.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves faces funding challenges for welfare while Conservative leaders criticize benefit reliance.