Has anybody used Access to Work (AtW) to help them stay in/join the workforce?

[Paul_Howard]

I'd be interested to hear about people's experiences. I'm trying to find a case study for another new publication. Thank you.

[Lupoid]

My personal experience with ATW is not a happy one. It wasn't particularly through there own fault. They just didn't have the necessary weight behind there suggestion of reasonable adjustments and I ended up losing my job. I could have gone for unfair/constructive dismissal but I didn't have the time or energy and would take money away from our local NHS (yes, the NHS dismissed me for my disability). I'm now working in the private sector and have had no problem with my current employer, they've been very supportive.

[Cluck in reply to Lupoid]

You really ought to've fought back - that was discrimination against disability and it is illegal!!

[caninecrazy]

hello paul, how does the ATW help you stay in work please?

[Paul_Howard Partner LUPUS UK in reply to caninecrazy]

They can pay for adjustments to your workplace etc that make things easier for you. They may pay for special equipment in some cases. In others they may be able to help pay for support staff for a few hours a week to reduce the strain on somebody. For full details on how they can help, you can contact them at your local jobcentre plus.

[Csrdayw61 in reply to Paul_Howard]

Yes, I have used them two times google access to work and ring them the assessor I had were brilliant my employer has to pay some of the things access to work recommened

[Paul_Howard Partner LUPUS UK in reply to Csrdayw61]

Hi Csrdayw61, would you be willing to share your experience of AtW for our new publication please?

[AlisonM]

Access to work allowed me to get taxis to & from work when I was unable to drive due to a few seizures I had. I paid public transport costs & they supplemented the rest- It was great not having to rely on lifts from colleagues & buses being on time. Not to mention the big hill where my work is!!

On the whole I found it easy to use & had no problems with it!! I was however relieved to get my license back after 1 year & be my own driver again!! xx

[Csrdayw61]

I got to know about Access to work through a colleague of mine who was on a contract. She gave me the telephone of ATW, I rang them and they took my details as well as my doctor's address to get confirmation about my sickness. Once ATW got the confirmation they rang me to make an appointment to come to my office. And also wrote to my manager. When the lady arrived she took some measurements of the type of chair that would be suitable for me, gave me the name and address of the company to contact. When everything was done, ATW paid part of the money and my employer also paid the rest which according to ATW is a law to help a disabled person to be able to function. The lady who came was very nice indeed . The second time another lady came as I was having problems with my wrists and my feet she also suggested some other equipment for me which I am still using. My life at work is much better , thanks to ATW. I forget to mention this it was also recommended by them to ask my employer to get me a fleece jacket when I cover lunch breaks for the Receptionst as the reception area turns to be very cold

[Paul_Howard Partner LUPUS UK in reply to Csrdayw61]

I'm glad to hear that they were so helpful. I'm going to send a private message just to ask another couple of questions.