More support for disabled people on traineeships
Disabled people are getting more help to gain the skills and experience they need to get a job under plans to widen the Access to Work scheme for traineeships.
The government scheme, which provides funding towards the extra costs disabled people face in work, is also being expanded to cover supported internships, work trials and work academies.
This will help cover extra costs that can include travel expenses, specially adapted equipment or support workers.
Minister for Disabled People Esther McVey said: “Young disabled people tell me how difficult it can be to get a job without experience – and they want the same choice of training opportunities as everyone else to help them into work.
“We’re opening up Access to Work to do just that – so that more young disabled people can get a foothold in the jobs market, get their careers on track and achieve their full potential.”
Under recent changes, small businesses with up to 49 members of staff no longer have to pay a contribution towards the extra costs faced by disabled people at work, saving around £2,300 per employee.
In addition, jobseekers who want to set up their own businesses through the New Enterprise Allowance are also eligible for Access to Work funding.
Last year Access to Work helped 30,000 disabled people keep or get employment.
According to the government, 45 per cent of people on the scheme would be out of work if they did not receive its support.
Natalie Thornhill
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