Esther McVey, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, announces increased funding to support disabled people with the greatest barriers to work

Esther McVey has today announced that from April 2019, workplaces who are a 'supported business' under the current Government Access To Work scheme, will receive increased funding of £5,000 a year for each person in a Work Choice Protected Place.

Supported businesses provide employment opportunities for disabled people who encounter the greatest barriers to work, with government funding enabling adapted working practices, additional HR support, job coaches and extra supervision, where needed.

This additional funding will be available for existing employees under the scheme and will also be available for businesses to recruit further employees, helping over 2,000 disabled people across England, Scotland and Wales to access supported employment.

This funding is a new two year commitment that will follow the Work Choice employment programme, which is due to end in March 2019.

Minister for Disabled People, Work and Health, Sarah Newton, responded to today's announcement, saying: “We’re committed to ensuring that disabled people have the necessary support to thrive in the workplace and Protected Places plays a big part in helping thousands to reach their full potential.

“Access to Work already provides tailored, personalised support to people up and down the country and this announcement will ensure that many more will benefit in the years to come.”

Martin Davies, Chair of the Supported Business Steering Group, said: “I welcome today’s announcement which will secure the future of thousands of job for disabled employees.

“We’re committed to supporting the government getting more disabled people into sustainable employment and ensuring the supported business sector can flourish.”

For more information, visit the Department of Work and Pensions website