20/05/2026
We’re happy to see DWP’s Access to Work announcement, and here’s why:
Access to Work helps blind and partially sighted people do their jobs. It can cover things like specialist tech, support workers, or travel support, basically the tools people need to work.
When it works well, it’s a lifeline. Many people say they simply couldn’t work without it.
But right now, people are waiting a really long time, sometimes over a year, to get support. It feels like being stuck in a never ending queue while trying to start or do your job.
Hiring 500 more staff should help reduce those delays. More staff means faster decisions, less waiting, and better chances for people to stay in work and stay independent.
Without timely support, people can miss key parts of their role, and some even lose their jobs. Getting help faster makes a real difference.
There is still more to do though. It isn’t fair if support is reduced when someone’s needs haven’t changed, as that can suddenly make work much harder or even impossible. And that happens all too often.
Better training is key so staff understand sight loss and can make fair, informed decisions that give people the support they actually need.
[Image description: ‘News.’ In yellow text below ‘DWP hiring 480 staff to tackle huge Access to Work backlog.’ Below smaller text reads, “Around ‘60,000 disabled people and workers with health conditions are waiting for Access to Work decisions as the DWP launches a major recruitment drive to speed up claims and clear backlogs.’ On a pink-tinted news graphic shows an office environment with ceiling lights, exposed piping, and several people seated at a table working together in the background. ]
