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Access to Work
Access to Work is a programme run by the Department of Work and Pensions to support disabled people and those with long-term physical or mental health conditions in obtaining ‘reasonable adjustments’ so they are not disadvantaged when doing their job.
The programme
You are eligible for the programme if your disability, physical or mental health condition is likely to last for 12 months or longer.
Access to Work is intended to provide funding towards adjustments such as training, additional travel costs, services, support or equipment that would be above and beyond what is reasonable for an employer to supply. The responsibility to make reasonable adjustments for staff under the Equality Act 2010 remains with UCL, and is detailed – examples of reasonable adjustments
Access to Work regularly update what support may be regarded as 'standard and reasonable' and therefore advice may change over time to reflect changing work practices, IT advancements and accepted industry standards.
Access to Work applies to any paid job: part-time or full time, permanent or temporary.
The mental health support service is for those whose mental health condition is affecting their ability to do their job and they need support to reduce absence from work and stay in work.
Applications for Access to Work can only be made by the employee themselves.
Access to work grant/costs
Funding levels will depend on how long staff have been employed and what support they need.
Job applicants and new recruits in the job for less than six weeks: up to 100% of the approved costs will be paid.
Those accessing the Access to Work Mental Health Support Service: up to 100% of approved costs will be paid.
In the job for six weeks or more: costs will usually be shared by Access to Work and UCL.
Cost Band | Funding Source |
Up to £1,000 | 100% UCL |
Between £1,000 and £10,000 | 20% UCL + 80% AtW |
Over £10,000 | Normally met by AtW |
Please find more information on funding reasonable adjustments here. See Funding reasonable adjustments for more information
Summary of the reasonable adjustments process
The flow charts below summarise the reasonable adjustment process.
Useful Contacts
Access to Work Helpline and opening times can be accessed by telephone, textphone, British Sign Language((BSL) video relay service.
To get mental health support you can use the contact details above or contact one of the Mental Health Support Service providers directly:
If you would like further UCL support or information on applying to Access to Work please contact the Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Team, via email equalities@ucl.ac.uk , or by ringing 0203 108 7161.
Applying to Access To Work
When you contact Access to Work you may need:
- your workplace address and postcode
- the name of a workplace contact who can authorise your Access to Work payments (submit your line manager’s details, but your local finance officer will need to process payments)
- your workplace contact’s email address or work phone number (your line manager)
- your unique tax reference number (if you’re self-employed)
You’ll also need to explain:
- how your condition affects you at work or getting to work
- what help you’re already getting
- what else could help you
Make an application to Access to Work online.
