A group of 30 MPs from various parties has raised concerns about potential welfare changes that could negatively impact employment opportunities for young individuals with disabilities. Led by Labour MP Marsha de Cordova, the MPs highlighted the importance of the Access to Work (ATW) scheme as a crucial support system for young people with learning disabilities and autism. Established in 1994, the ATW scheme aims to assist individuals with disabilities in finding or keeping employment.
The group, which includes prominent figures like Jeremy Hunt, Daisy Cooper, Vicky Foxcroft, and Rachel Maskell, has penned a letter to Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden expressing worries that proposed reforms could lead to a surge in unemployment rates. They emphasized the significance of supporting young people with disabilities in securing long-term employment, particularly through supported internships.
Recent changes to ATW funding, such as the introduction of a 26-week cap, are seen as jeopardizing supported internship programs that align with the academic calendar, including the critical final phase. The MPs highlighted concerning statistics, stating that nearly one million individuals aged 16–24 were not engaged in education, employment, or training between April and June 2025. Additionally, young people with Education, Health, and Care Plans are shown to be 80% more likely to be unemployed compared to their counterparts.
In their letter, the MPs acknowledged the need for reform within the Access to Work scheme but urged the government to reconsider the cap on supported internships. They cautioned that enforcing the cap could harm the future job prospects of young individuals with learning disabilities and autism, potentially leading to increased unemployment rates nationwide.
A spokesperson from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) responded, stating that no changes have been implemented to the Access to Work policy yet. They assured that any forthcoming alterations would be announced in advance, with ongoing efforts to collaborate with disabled individuals and organizations to enhance the scheme.