# Recruitment drive to tackle backlog in Access to Work scheme for disabled people

By Ruth Wilkinson — 2026-05-18

Ruth Wilkinson, head of policy and public affairs at the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH), said: “This is a positive step towards ensuring disabled people can access the timely support they need to enter and remain in work.

“IOSH’s position is clear. Good work, meaning work that is safe, healthy, and accommodating of individual needs, benefits people’s health and wellbeing. While prevention must always be the priority – creating working environments that protect people from harm in the first place – it should be accompanied by other measures that reduce risks and support workers. This means that when people do need support, it is timely and meets their needs.

“Delays to schemes like Access to Work risk preventing people from joining or sustaining employment, so investment in capacity and faster decision-making is vital. Effective support and rehabilitation not only help individuals fulfil their potential but also create more inclusive, productive workplaces and stronger economies. We now need to see this commitment translate into consistent, timely delivery for those who rely on it.”

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