- Access to Work
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What is Access to Work? A Beginner’s Guide
Your job should work for you — not the other way around.
If you’ve ever wondered how the Access to Work scheme can help you or your team, you’re in the right place. Whether you’re an employee facing challenges at work or a manager looking to support a colleague, this guide is here to make things clear and simple.
Workplace inclusion is more than just a buzzword. It’s about making sure everyone has what they need to succeed. That’s where Access to Work comes in.
What Is Access to Work?
Access to Work is here to create equal opportunities for everyone
It’s a government programme to help employees with disabilities or health conditions overcome workplace barriers. And it’s not just about equipment—it’s about enabling people to excel.
Here’s what Access to Work can help with:
- Specialist equipment: Things like ergonomic chairs, speech recognition software, or screen readers.
- Transport support: Covering costs for those who can’t use public transport.
- Support workers: Offering personal assistance with tasks or communication.
- Training: Helping teams understand and support neurodiverse colleagues.
Every workplace is different, and Access to Work tailors its support to fit your needs.
Who Can Benefit from Access to Work?
Access to Work is for anyone whose disability or health condition affects their ability to do their job. That includes:
- People with physical disabilities like chronic pain, mobility issues, or musculoskeletal conditions.
- Individuals with neurodiverse conditions such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, or dyspraxia.
- Employees dealing with mental health challenges, including anxiety and depression.
- Workers with sensory impairments, like hearing or vision loss.
If you’re an employer, supporting your team through Access to Work doesn’t just tick boxes. It’s a chance to create a more inclusive, accessible workplace—and build your reputation as a Disability Confident Employer.
How Does Access to Work, Work?
The process is straightforward. Here’s how it unfolds:
- Apply
Employees or job seekers start by applying through the Access to Work portal. - Assessment
A workplace assessment identifies the challenges and recommends tailored solutions. Specialists, like the team at Remtek Workplace, make sure everything fits the role and environment. - Approval
The government reviews the recommendations and approves funding. - Implementation
Employers and providers work together to put the plan into action—whether it’s setting up equipment, arranging training, or introducing support workers.
It’s all about teamwork, with employees, employers, and Access to Work pulling together to create meaningful solutions.
What’s in it for Employers?
As a manager or HR professional, you want your team to excel. Supporting colleagues through Access to Work can help you:
Attract and retain talent
Employees who feel supported are more likely to stay and contribute.
Boost productivity
When someone has the tools they need, they can focus on doing their best work.
Build your reputation
Being a Disability Confident Employer shows that your organisation values inclusion and accessibility.
Common Myths About Access to Work
"It’s just for big companies.”
Not true. Access to Work is available to businesses of all sizes.
“It’s only for physical disabilities.”
False. The scheme supports a wide range of needs, including mental health and neurodiversity.
“It’s too complicated to apply.”
While there are steps involved, providers like Remtek make it simple and stress-free.
How Remtek Workplace Can Help
At Remtek Workplace, we’ve helped countless employees and businesses navigate the Access to Work journey. Here’s what we do:
Specialist Equipment
From assistive technology to ergonomic hardware, we provide the tools people need.
Training and Coaching
We help teams build awareness and confidence, with practical training for managers and employees.
Streamlined Support
From sourcing equipment to setup, we handle the details so you don’t have to.
Whether you’re applying for Access to Work for yourself or supporting a team member, we’ll be with you every step of the way
Take the First Step Towards Inclusion
Access to Work is your key to building a more inclusive, accessible workplace. It’s not just about meeting legal requirements—it’s about creating an environment where everyone feels valued and supported.
If you’re ready to learn more, we’d love to hear from you.
Let’s make work better for everyone.
Chris Barlow: Business Development Associate
With 20 years of experience at Remtek, including 8 successful years leading the DSA Ergonomics team, Chris Barlow now focuses on supporting Access to Work and commercial projects.
Chris specialises in DSE/ergonomics assessments, assistive technology products, and training, creating optimised workplace solutions that enhance comfort, productivity, and well-being.
He works closely with employees and businesses to ensure accessibility for neurodiverse and disabled colleagues. His comprehensive reports and tailored recommendations have helped countless students and employees, reducing discomfort and improving performance.
Want to connect and stay updated? Follow Chris on LinkedIn: Chris Barlow on LinkedIn.
