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Access to Work Programme

Asked by Rebecca Long BaileyLabourDepartment for Work and PensionsTabled Answered 29 May 2025UIN 53550

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps she has taken to reduce wait times for Access to Work support.

Answered by Sir Stephen Timms

We are committed to reducing waiting times for Access to Work and are considering the best way to deliver that for customers. Delivery practices have been streamlined, and the number of staff processing claims increased. Since May 2024, 118 additional staff have been redeployed to support Access to Work.

We prioritise applications from customers due to start a role within four weeks.

In March 2025, the department published the Pathways to Work Green Paper, to consult on the future of Access to Work. We will review all aspects of the Scheme following the conclusion of the consultation.

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