Recent figures released show the government’s specialist disabled employment programme, Access to Work, has supported 132,740 people since launching in 2007.

The scheme has assisted people in work, those looking for work, and people undertaking work experience and training with support such as adapted computers, self-propelling wheelchairs and travel.

Minister for disabled people Justin Tomlinson said: “Supporting disabled people into work is a priority for this government which is why our Access to Work grants are available throughout people’s careers.

“I strongly encourage employers and employees to take up this support so that we can reduce the disability employment gap and make sure everyone benefits from being in work.”

Access to Work is a grant for people whose health or disability affects the way they do their job. It provides individuals and employers with advice and support with extra costs which may arise because of their needs.

Individuals and businesses can apply for up to £41,400 to cover the cost of a support worker, travel needs, adapted equipment and more.

Access to Work is one element of a wide range of support available to disabled people seeking work, including work coaches and disability employment advisers in Jobcentres, as well as contracted provision including the Work Programme, Work Choice and, from last September, Specialist Employability Support. The scheme doesn’t replace the duty an employer has to make reasonable adjustments under the Equality Act. It instead provides additional support that goes above a reasonable adjustment.

For further details, visit www.gov.uk/access-to-work.