Working it out

Awareness and uptake of the Government's Access to Work scheme

Too many people with arthritis are being robbed of their chance to stay in work. 

Our Working It Out survey found that 59% of respondents had never heard of the government-funded Access to Work scheme, which can be used to pay for practical help, such as specialist equipment, transport to and from work and support workers. A quarter of people also told us their employer had not made reasonable adjustments to support them in their role.

The Working It Out campaign is demanding change. We're calling on the Government to:

• Address operational issues with the Access to Work scheme
• Promote Access to Work to people with arthritis and related conditions
• Ensure employers are implementing Access to Work recommendations
• Clarify the meaning of “reasonable adjustments” so employees with arthritis receive the support they need.

What can you do?

• Sign up to our Campaigns Network.

Have a story to share?

If you have a story about working with arthritis or using Access to Work that you would like us to hear, please email us at campaigns@arthritis-uk.org.

Need more information?

• Contact our helpline on 0800 5200 520 or email helpline@arthritis-uk.org.
• Find out more about the Access to Work scheme or call on 0800 121 7479. If you live in Northern Ireland, find out more here.