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Access to Work Delays Exceed 100 Days, Job Offers at Risk

2/6/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Average waits for Access to Work support exceed 100 days, per National Audit Office (NAO) report.
Applications for the Access to Work scheme have risen from 76,100 in 2018-19 to an expected 157,000 in 2024-25.
Delays cause job offers to be withdrawn and create cash-flow problems for small businesses.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) acknowledges backlog and faces criticism from Scope and Disabled People Against Cuts.

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Story summary

Average waits for Access to Work support exceed 100 days, per National Audit Office (NAO) report.
Applications for the Access to Work scheme have risen from 76,100 in 2018-19 to an expected 157,000 in 2024-25.
Delays cause job offers to be withdrawn and create cash-flow problems for small businesses.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) acknowledges backlog and faces criticism from Scope and Disabled People Against Cuts.