Access to work grant rejection

Spencer1620

Hi,

I have recently started work at a large energy company, I had a T11 spinal fracture in June of this year and this causes pain to some degree every day.

I applied for and access to work grant and the assessment recommended a standing table and an ergonomic chair and a few minor items This was rejected on the grounds that this is classed as reasonable adjustment even though my employer says they had an application granted just the week prior for exactly the same recommendations.

I'm very upset and at a loss at hat to do as if they do not agree to the grant it would mean I would have to go into the office every day while my co-workers can work remotely 50/50.

Just to make it clear my employer has been super supportive with my disability and I couldn't ask for a better employer.

Thanks in advance

Paul.

Rosie_Scope

Hi @Spencer1620, welcome to the community.

Sorry to hear your Access to Work grant was rejected, that's really frustrating. I'm afraid I don't have direct experience of this area, but I did read that you can ask for a reconsideration by another case manager and they might come to a different conclusion. There's a little bit of information here in case you think that might apply to you:

Access to Work: factsheet for customers - GOV.UK

It's good to hear that your employer is being supportive, though. Would they be able to offer the same adaptations as a reasonable adjustment if you can't get your grant reconsidered?

Hope you can find a solution soon.

Spencer1620

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/952120#Comment_952120

Thank you for your reply, My employer says that what has been recommended isn't reasonable adjustment and if I can't work from home I will have to come into the office every day as the provision at work is very good. So unless they have a re-think, I'm stuck between a rock and a hard place.

It puts me in a really awkward position because as a person with a new disability and a new starter I don't want to rock the boat in my first few weeks of wok

Rosie_Scope

That does make it a bit difficult, I can understand what you mean about not wanting to rock the boat early on. It's still important to get the adaptations you need though, so I hope there's a solution somewhere.

I wonder if it might be worth having a conversation with ACAS. They might be able to explain your rights and whether either your employer or Access to Work might be able to do anything more to support you in your work:

Acas | Making working life better for everyone in Britain

Could be worth explaining your position to them to see if they have any ideas. I hope some of our members might be able to share their thoughts soon too, hopefully someone has been through a similar situation and might be able to share what happened for them.

durhamjaide2001

reading this makes me worried I hope I get my Access to work grant when it comes