An ‘at a glance’ analysis of the latest Access to Work figures shows that an additional 4,260 people have been supported in work since October 2013.
Access to Work figures are not given for each quarter separately; instead, figures for each quarter are added to which means we get a bigger figure with each release. We can gauge trends by looking at the increases (as per the last column, “activity”). I have compared this morning’s release with that of October last year.
Types of conditions supported
We might not be surprised that support given for back/neck conditions and dyslexia are accelerating the most. Difficulties with speech and Spina Bifida are increasing the least.
There have been no further applications for support for stomach/liver/kidney/digestion or skin/disfigurement since October.
Condition |
October 2013 |
January 2014 |
Activity |
Missing or unknown |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Arms or hands |
810 |
1,090 |
+280 |
Legs or feet |
1,680 |
2,040 |
+360 |
Back or neck |
1,790 |
2,580 |
+790 |
Stomach, liver, kidney or digestion |
80 |
80 |
0 |
Heart, blood, blood pressure, or circulation |
180 |
220 |
+40 |
Chest or breathing |
110 |
130 |
+20 |
Skin conditions and severe disfigurement |
10 |
10 |
0 |
Difficulty in hearing |
4,240 |
4,740 |
+500 |
Difficulty in seeing |
3,940 |
4,330 |
+390 |
Difficulty in speaking |
50 |
60 |
+10 |
Learning disability |
1,320 |
1,460 |
+140 |
Progressive illness |
1,470 |
1,650 |
+180 |
Dyslexia |
2,350 |
3,000 |
+650 |
Epilepsy |
880 |
980 |
+100 |
Diabetes |
120 |
150 |
+30 |
Mental health conditions |
670 |
870 |
+200 |
Cerebral Palsy |
360 |
400 |
+40 |
Spina Bifida |
80 |
90 |
+10 |
Other |
2,640 |
3,140 |
+500 |
TOTAL |
22,760 |
27,020 |
+4,260 |
Types of support
Assessments by themselves are increasingly popular, as is the provision of a support worker. Aids and equipment are also a high contender.
Type of adjustment |
October 2013 |
January 2014 |
Activity |
Adaptation to premises |
20 |
30 |
+10 |
Adaptation to vehicles |
60 |
110 |
+50 |
Communication support at interview |
100 |
180 |
+80 |
Miscellaneous |
20 |
30 |
+10 |
Miscellaneous with cost share |
10 |
10 |
0 |
Travel in work |
970 |
1,030 |
+60 |
Special aids and equipment |
1,250 |
2,680 |
+1,430 |
Support worker |
10,680 |
12,090 |
+1,640 |
Travel to work |
10,450 |
11,300 |
+850 |
Access to Work Assessment |
2,170 |
4,410 |
+2,240 |
TOTAL |
25,710 |
31,860 |
+6,150 |