Access to Work and zero hours contract

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Legwax

Dear all,

I have Limited Capability for Work currently (Re-assessed Nov 2024) - which I agree with and was grateful to get. I have found myself work - a very, very part-time zero hours contract which I started also in Nov 2024 and continue to do. It is face to face work and my chronic pain causes me difficulty on the public transport but I manage because I have to eat! I am waiting for PIP assessment, declined it 18 months ago. I like my job very much though I am in a great deal of pain afterwards due to the travel and having to "be present" for a couple of hours rather than lain in bed feeling low.

The agency I work through has over 60 employees so would have to contribute to Access to Work, I think from reading gov.uk. I don't know if it is worth asking for a taxi to take me there and back on a bad day? I don't want to let the employer know I have this pain if they are not going to contribute or they say they don't want to. To be honest, I need joint replacements and money to sustain myself while I recover so like working even though it hurts. I am getting stung for council tax with my very low wage income which is not helpful - can't argue againsts it, it is the policy.

Is it worth me asking Access to Work for a taxi please? I am not familiar with it at all apart from reading people's difficulties on here with it.

Thank you.

Mary_Scope

Hi @Legwax

From what you have described, it definitely sounds like it is worth exploring access to work for a taxi. Even though some people have had negative experiences, many others have received positive and valuable support so don't let the stories you've read deter you!

You don't need to tell your employer about your access to work application initially. If you have been approved taxis then access to work will contact your employer to discuss the practical arrangements. Access to work will also sort out the financial side of things so you don't need to worry about asking your employer directly about their contribution.

Access to work don't disclose details of your health condition to your employer without your consent as they will only discuss the adjustments needed to support you at work - not your disability itself.

Hope this was helpful, please reach out if you have further questions or would like further support😀