The fear is palpable
The stakes are high
The changes rain down ineligible the common reply
Far removed from its original intent of flexibility, uncapped support above reasonable adjustment
no cost to the employer or self employed
It had Sustainably enabled disabled people to stay in work since 1994
The message gets louder the cuts come in thick and fast
Where was the Equality Impact Assessment we ask
We didn’t do one came the reply No Comparator means we don’t have to comply
Waiting times rocket 6 months and more if your unlucky
Holistic Assessors have hands tied behind their backs openly acknowledging new directives to axe
whistleblowers share their fears of consequences
The rationale behind it your award is not what was intended
Your wheelchair is a business start-up expense
You can no longer have travel support if you can drive
But surrender your diving licence we will oblige
Your too successful so we have taken it away
Every CEO has a PA so your ineligible on your way
I cry inside as my arm and leg won’t grow back,
Admin support and Essential aids and adaptations now deemed a business advantage
Can your carer not do that or your employer even better
You’re getting more than my wife earns that is such an advantage
you need a support worker full time that is replacement removing that now
If I had done your application I wouldn’t have given it to you anyhow
Neurodivergent what’s all that over diagnosed nonsense
Mental health human support pull yourself together
Overwhelmed no no we won’t cover that any more
as the awards lay culled at the side unrelenting no matter you complied
That was to reduce fatigue and pain going forward that element won’t remain
You don’t need to be an experienced support worker to put a headset on someone and a specialist OT report to evidence your need is denied
You were seen getting out of your wheelchair another award culled
We won’t uphold your reasonable adjustments to communicate differently so you are non-compliant case closed
Payment delays for all concerned support workers in poverty
Suppliers owed thousands invoices if settled have VAT withheld
Your employer can provide that support worker 45 hours a week and anything else you need as that is a reasonable adjustment
We won’t consider an award unless Occupational Health is involved
What’s different about dictating to your support worker and AI
No Policy Change here the Minister continues to cry
Just an internal briefing sorry I meant increase in staff training actually operational correction but to your Freedom of information request about it we don’t need to comply
It’s far too easy for you to complain our system and ICE are buckling under the strain
Easily resolved you can no longer email your advisor directly and as its discretionary
Yes, you guessed it we have taken away your route to complain
Jacqueline Winstanley
Co Founder Access to Work Collective
March 2026