My support worker hasn't been paid for weeks after delays to disability scheme
Summary
The article discusses delays in the UK's Access to Work program, which supports disabled workers by providing resources such as support staff. These delays have resulted in workers, like Lauren Toovey, not being paid for weeks while performing crucial assistance tasks. The government has added more staff to handle the backlog, but many individuals continue to experience significant delays.Key Facts
- Lauren Toovey, a support worker, has not been paid for six weeks due to delays in the Access to Work program.
- The Access to Work program helps disabled workers by funding resources like equipment and support workers.
- George Baker, a manager at The Disability Union, relies on Lauren to assist with tasks he cannot perform due to muscular dystrophy.
- The government has hired 55 more case workers to address the program's backlog.
- Applicants currently face wait times of up to 30 weeks for their applications to be acknowledged.
- Rosie, a driving instructor, has been waiting over a year for support to help her return to full-time work.
- NHS clinical psychologist Dr. Danielle Verity has reduced her clinic hours due to a cut in her assigned support worker's hours.
- Dr. Shani Dhanda reports receiving numerous stories from those affected by the delays.
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