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<p /> <p>Access to Work provides practical and financial support with the additional
costs faced by individuals whose health or disability affects the way they do their
job.</p><p> </p><p>In response to the Sayce review, the government committed to spending
an extra £15m on Access to Work by the end of this Spending Review period. Access
to Work has been extended to support some pre-employment activity such as Supported
Internships, Traineeships and certain work experience. We no longer apply mandatory
cost share for small employers and we have removed the list of standard equipment
Access to Work will not fund; instead Access to Work advisers are working constructively
with employers and employees to identify where Access to Work can assist.</p><p> </p><p>We
have also introduced the Access to Work Mental Health Support Service. This can offer
support to individuals with a mental health condition who are absent from work or
finding work difficult. The service supports those experiencing depression, anxiety,
stress or other mental health issues that are affecting their work.</p><p> </p><p>Additionally,
Fit for Work will be launched in late 2014 with a phased roll-out coming to a close
by the end of May 2015. Fit for Work will deliver both a supportive occupational health
assessment and general health and work advice to employees, employers and GPs, to
help individuals stay in or return to work.</p><p> </p><p>Finally, Work Choice provides
disabled people with complex barriers to employment with a seamless service covering
all stages of the journey into work. Short to longer-term in-work support is provided
and progression into open unsupported employment is encouraged, where it is appropriate
for the individual.</p><p> </p><p>Work Choice can provide an indefinite period of
support once the customer is in work in recognition of the fact that some Work Choice
participants may need ongoing support to overcome barriers in work that cannot be
met through normal workplace adjustments.</p>
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