Giving people with arthritis 'Access to Work'

With over 30 million working days lost every year in the UK due to arthritis, we know finding and staying in work can be a challenge for people with arthritis. But there’s plenty of evidence that shows working in the right job is good for us, financially, socially and in giving us a sense of purpose and achievement.At Arthritis Research UK we want to make sure everyone with arthritis is aware of, and has fair access to, services to support them to be in work. We’re also campaigning for increased investment in these services and for changes to be made to ensure they work for everyone who needs them.Access to WorkAccess to Work is a Government scheme designed to support people with a disability, physical or mental health condition, who have related workplace needs. While your employer is responsible for making reasonable adjustments to enable you to stay in the workplace, if you need extra help Access to Work could provide it.It can pay for things like specialist equipment, travel to and from work, mental health support services and support workers. You don’t have to pay it back, and it doesn’t affect any other benefits. In many cases Access to Work is fully funded by the Government, but in some cases your employer will be asked to pay a contribution.Experiences of using Access to WorkMarion has lived with severe back pain for 20 years and received support from the Access to Work scheme. She told us: "As my condition got worse, I knew I wanted to co...
Source: Arthritis Research UK - Category: Rheumatology Source Type: news