Local MP Peter Lamb welcomes Government Action to Tackle Access to Work Backlog

Peter Lamb MP has welcomed new action from the Labour Government to tackle the backlog in the Access to Work scheme, helping more disabled people and people with health conditions get the support they need to stay in or return to work.

The Department for Work and Pensions has announced that nearly 500 additional staff will be recruited to speed up decisions and clear long-standing delays in the system. The move comes as demand for the scheme has more than doubled in recent years, with around 60,000 applications currently awaiting a decision.

Access to Work provides practical and financial support including specialist equipment, workplace adjustments, travel support, and interpreters, helping disabled people access and remain in employment.

The Government says the new recruitment drive will increase staffing on the scheme by 72 per cent by September 2027, while urgent cases are already being prioritised and payment delays have been eliminated.

Peter Lamb, Labour MP for Crawley, said:

“Many disabled residents get in touch with me because they want, but lack the support and adaptations they need to access or maintain employment.

“Having met with disability charities, it is clear that better support for Access to Work is critical to enabling greater numbers of those with disabilities to contribute to the economy, a point I raised directly with Stephen Timms, Minister of State for Work and Pensions, in the House of Commons.

“I welcome this investment in extra staff and practical action to ensure Access to Work can get back to delivering for local people.”

Pat McFadden, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions said:

“Access to Work is a lifeline for disabled people and those with health conditions, helping them to start and stay in work, but when I came to the DWP it was clear there was a major issue with people waiting for a decision.

“That’s why I’m taking action to clear the backlog, because we know that the right support can change lives.

“This is part of our wider commitment to move from a welfare state to a working state, building an economy that works for everyone.”