Access to Work Delays Undermine Timely Workplace Adjustments

A February 2026 National Audit Office report has exposed significant delays within the UK Access to Work scheme. Processing times averaged 109 days against a 25-day target, while formal complaints tripled to 657 in 2024–25.

Access to Work provides funding for assistive technology, workplace adjustments, travel support, and specialist coaching for disabled employees. However, prolonged delays create operational risk for both employees and employers. Where equipment, communication support, or environmental adjustments are delayed, employees may struggle to perform their role, increasing sickness absence, grievance risk, and potential discrimination claims under the Equality Act 2010.

Crucially, Access to Work does not replace employer responsibility. UK employers remain legally obligated to implement reasonable adjustments in a timely manner, regardless of government scheme backlogs.

The report reinforces a growing need for internal workplace adjustment systems that allow organisations to document requests, track implementation, monitor compliance, and manage costs transparently. Structured disability inclusion processes reduce dependency on external timelines and strengthen governance.

In a tightening regulatory environment, delays are not merely administrative issues. They are inclusion risks.