Access to Work Programme

Johanna Baxter, the Labour MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire South, asked the Minister for Employment, Alison McGovern, what steps she is taking to reduce the time taken for Access to Work claims to be processed. In her response, the Minister acknowledged the issue and stated that the Labour government's manifesto had committed to tackling the backlog of Access to Work claims. She explained that the government has improved the process and increased the number of staff processing claims, but admitted that there is more work to be done. Johanna Baxter followed up, agreeing that delays in processing Access to Work claims not only impact the individual, particularly their mental health, but also their ability to fulfil their potential and contribute to the economy. She asked what further steps the Minister will take to ensure that the process for helping disabled people back into work is reformed, to ensure that it is genuinely one of support that allows people to fulfil their potential and enables businesses to thrive. The Minister responded wholeheartedly, stating that disabled people have the right to work like everybody else. She expressed the government's ambition to see an 80% employment rate in the country, which cannot be achieved without the contribution of people with disabilities. The Minister indicated that the government is working on an employment White Paper and developing its policies, with the aim of ensuring that everybody in the country, especially disabled people, can make their full contribution.