'Brutal reality' of disabled applicants' struggles

DISABLED people have faced waits of more than 100 days on average to have applications processed for support to help them into or keep them in work, according to a new report.

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One disability equality charity said the report from the National Audit Office (NAO) public spending watchdog "lays bare the brutal reality for disabled people trying to get into and stay in work".

The report details “delays and backlogs” in processing applications to the Access to Work scheme, which launched in 1994 and operates across England, Scotland and Wales.

Applicants who have a physical or mental health condition or disability can apply for a grant to help pay for practical support or support with managing mental health at work, or money to pay for communication support at job interviews.