Access to Work

If you have had a sudden onset brain or spine injury or have recently been diagnosed with a long term neurological condition you may feel anxious about returning to work after a period of time on sick leave.

Access to Work is a government funded scheme which can help you if your health or disability affects the way you do your job. It gives you and your employer advice, guidance and support with extra costs which may arise because of your needs. Access to Work might pay towards a support worker or the equipment you need at work. It can also pay towards the cost of getting to work if you cannot use public transport.
If you need a communicator at job interviews, then Access to Work may be able to pay some or all of the communicator costs.

Click on the link below and it will take you to the government website.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/DisabledPeople/Employmentsupport/WorkSchemesAndProgrammes/DG_4000347

To be eligible for Access to Work you must be in paid employment or self-employment, or with a confirmed start date, and:
•    have a disability or health condition which affects your ability to work
•    be aged 16 or over
•    live and work in England, Scotland or Wales

In addition, you may not qualify for Access to Work if you receive any of the following benefits:
•    Incapacity Benefit
•    Employment and Support Allowance
•    Severe Disablement Allowance
•    Income Support
•    National Insurance Credits
Coping with a recently diagnosed condition can be hard for both you and your family.  If you would like support you can contact the following organisations:

Two organisations Momentum and Neuro Partners can provide a job coach to support both the employer and the employee to adjust in the workplace including reviewing the adaptations or support you need to do the job.

For further information contact:

Momentum
Access to Work Coordinator
0191 2320234
rachelferguson@momentumskills.org
http://www.momentumscotland.org

or contact

Neuropartners
Tel:   0191 491 1735
http://www.neuropartners.co.ukTel:   0191 491 1735
http://www.neuropartners.co.uk