Delays in a government scheme designed to support disabled people into employment are putting jobs at risk, according to written evidence submitted to Parliament by William Gomes.
The evidence examines the Department for Work and Pensions’ (DWP) administration of the Access to Work scheme and finds that systemic delays and inconsistent decision-making are undermining its effectiveness.
Processing times far exceed targets
The submission highlights a sharp increase in waiting times for support.
Average processing times have risen from 28 working days in 2020 to 2021 to 109 days by November 2025. This is more than four times the DWP’s target of 25 days.
In some cases, delays have extended beyond six months, creating significant barriers for disabled people seeking to enter or remain in work.
Demand rising but capacity falling behind
Applications to the scheme have more than doubled, increasing from 76,100 in 2018 to 2019 to 157,000 in 2024 to 2025.
The evidence notes a significant rise in applicants reporting mental health conditions and neurodiversity.
Although staffing and administrative spending have increased, the submission finds that capacity has not kept pace with demand.
Real impact on employment
The findings suggest that delays are having serious consequences for disabled workers.
Survey data cited in the evidence shows that 67% of respondents said they would probably or definitely have been unable to attend interviews, secure employment, or remain in work without Access to Work support.
However, delays in assessments and payments have forced some individuals to cover costs themselves, incur debt, or turn down job opportunities.
Complaints about the scheme have also risen significantly, with most linked to processing delays.
Concerns over inconsistent decisions
The submission also highlights concerns about the consistency and quality of decision-making.
Evidence suggests that similar applications can receive different outcomes and that some renewals are treated as new claims, resulting in reduced support despite unchanged circumstances.
In one case, a claimant’s support hours were reduced due to a calculation error that was only corrected after a second appeal.
Questions over future reforms
The government is currently consulting on reforms to Access to Work as part of its wider Pathways to Work proposals.
The evidence warns that changes could further restrict access if they are not supported by robust evaluation of the scheme’s effectiveness and value for money.
It also notes that the DWP does not expect the current backlog to reduce significantly in the short term.
A scheme at risk of failing its purpose
Access to Work remains a vital mechanism for supporting disabled people into employment.
However, the evidence concludes that without urgent operational improvements and more evidence-based policymaking, administrative failures risk undermining the scheme’s core purpose.
