Written question asked by Lord Blunkett (Labour) on Monday, 15 November 2010, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 19 November 2010. It was answered by Maria Miller (Conservative) on Friday, 19 November 2010 on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions.

Access to Work Programme

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions pursuant to the answer of 11 November 2010, Official Report, column 422W, on Access to Work programme, which areas of the Access to Work programme are under review; which are likely to be subject to reform; which are likely to be subject to restrictions; what instructions his Department has given to staff of the programme in relation to the availability of Access to Work (a) funds and (b) facilities since 1 October 2010; and if he will make a statement

Answer: The Government are committed to ensuring disabled people are given the support they need to get a job and remain in employment. We will continue to review welfare to work programmes to ensure the support they provide remains appropriate, effective and value for money.In line with the coalition agreement we are committed to Access to Work and including plans to reform the programme so disabled people can apply for jobs with funding already secured for any adaptations and equipment they will need. In line with the previous Government's decisions there are also changes in place which support disabled people working for smaller employers, to ensure Access to Work is as efficient and effective as possible.Jobcentre Plus provides detailed guidance to staff on the operation of the Access to Work programme and this is updated regularly to ensure it reflects the statutory obligations on businesses. Access to Work can only provide support over and above employers' legal obligations to provide reasonable adjustments. I have made arrangements to place the latest version of the guidance in the House of Commons Library.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 24983; 518 c992-3W
Session: 2010-12
Related items: Deposited Paper DEP2010-2088
Thursday, 25 November 2010
Deposited papers
House of Commons; Access to Work Programme
Tuesday, 30 November 2010
Written questions
House of Commons; Access to Work Programme
Thursday, 11 November 2010
Written questions
House of Commons
Subjects: Access to work programme
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk