New research released today by RNID and DeafATW shows the scale of the problems with Access to Work, a Government scheme which provides accessible workplace support.
Despite aiming to remove barriers to employment, the scheme is increasingly falling short for people who are deaf British Sign Language (BSL) users and is in urgent need of change.
How Access to Work supports deaf people and people with hearing loss
Access to Work awards are helping deaf people and people with hearing loss to stay in work.
In our survey of Access to Work users who are deaf, deafblind and have hearing loss – including 267 BSL users who rely on grants for essential adjustments such as interpreting services – people repeatedly described how communication support enables them to work on a more equal basis to hearing colleagues.
This support is critical for people who are deaf or have hearing loss to be able to contribute, express ideas, lead discussions, manage and train hearing staff, work with hearing customers and clients, and avoid isolation in the workplace.
Key findings of the research
Watch the findings in BSL
Reductions and changes to Access to Work awards are having direct consequences on the BSL community. Our research highlights that:
- 37% of BSL users who renewed their award said they had their grant amended, despite no change in their circumstances. This left many being unable to cover essential support at work, such as BSL interpreters, which cannot be replaced by technology or other solutions.
- 50% of those who had their award changed did not receive a written explanation for these changes
Findings also reveal the impact that changes to awards and delays are having on people’s ability to work:
- 41% of BSL users missed training and development opportunities because they couldn’t access the support they need
- 32% of respondents who received a response waited four months or more for an outcome, and 8% waited over ten months
- 19% of people had to reduce or change how they do their jobs while waiting for their award
The impact – Tomasz’s story
Tomasz, 40, from London, works as a Coordinator for the Sign Language Interpreting Service at his local council. His role involves tasks like covering the front desk and using the telephone, which require the support of a BSL interpreter. But because Access to Work limits the funding he receives, he does not get enough interpreter hours, affecting his confidence and career development.
When I do not have access to an interpreter at work, I struggle significantly. I can’t make telephone calls without one, which means I have to delay my tasks and my workload builds up. It really affects my confidence.
If further changes are made such as grants being cut further, I wouldn’t be able to do my job at all.”
Why Access to Work must change
The Government is looking to make changes to Access to Work to get more disabled people in work. However, current changes are making it harder for deaf BSL users to get the support they need at work. Having access to the tools and support needed to work is essential, not optional.
This matters because:
- people are already facing extreme delays in their applications and payments, meaning they are not getting the support they need
- the Government does not collect information on the impact of awards. We are concerned that proposed changes may not address the key challenges people face.
- reform must reflect lived experience, and we want to work with Government to ensure changes genuinely meet the needs of those who need it most.
We hope that our research can provide evidence on how the scheme can be delivered more effectively for people who are deaf or have hearing loss, and designed with their needs in mind.
We are calling for urgent action
We are calling for urgent action from the Government to ensure the scheme, designed to pay for adjustments to help disabled people get into or stay in work, genuinely works for those who need it.
Our calls include:
- Stop imposing reductions and restrictions on how awards can be used, where there has been no change in a person’s circumstances or access needs
- Invest in Access to Work systems so the scheme can operate efficiently and produce data and insights to lead reform
- Guarantee full accessibility in BSL at every stage of the service
- Work in partnership with RNID, DeafATW, and disability organisations to co-design an Access to Work scheme that genuinely works for deaf people and people with hearing loss
