This was the howl of social media's self-declared #neurodivergence, #disability communities in the late twenty-teens and into the twenty-twenties.
It sounded almost convincing, a worthy rallying call that everyone who wanted to be On The Right Side of History should immediately get behind. And if you dared to hesitate to get behind the statement, if you so much as thought that it maybe didn't sound quite right - well, you were privileged, you were guilty of ableism, you just wanted disabled people to not exist! If you were disabled yourself, and had some reservations about the pie-ness of inclusion, then you were "everything that's wrong with the world!"
But - as so often happens - those who were hesitant have been proved right. It turns out that, as many disabled people with observable, high-impact impairments, who need workplace accommodations - and, most importantly, who can work unobtrusively and at a comparable level to able-bodied colleagues once they have those accommodations - suspected, "it", when "it" is government-provided cash...actually is pie. The more people take, the more likely the government are to snatch the entire possibility of pie off the table, and declare that "Since some people are taking too much, there's not going to be any for anyone!"
The Access to Work scheme was introduced in the UK in 1994, with the original intention being to make it affordable for UK businesses to adapt their premises and technology to include D/deaf and blind individuals, and others with related sensory impairments, as well as to support changes needed to further accommodate wheelchair users as inclusion legislation advanced.
A little over 30yrs later, however, the largest cohort of applicants are individuals citing "neurodivergence and mental health conditions", and requesting "accommodations" such as fidget toys, noise cancelling headphones, and walking pads, as well as chairs that facilitate cross-legged sitting, work coaches, and support workers.
Of course, conditions such as autism and ADHD are very real, and people with chronic mental health conditions can find engaging with and sustaining employment significantly more challenging than people who are not facing mental health challenges. The issue isn't "Access to Work was intended for people with real disabilities, and it's being claimed by people who aren't really disabled!" The issue is that so much money is being claimed, by people who are very far from the intended recipient demographic, that the current Labour government are insistent that they are going to repeat what the previous Conservative party did, and aggressively 'target' people in receipt of disability welfare support, with the stated aim being to 'compel them' to 're-engage with the workforce.' And, of course, with the heavy suggestion that they'll be doing so without Access to Work support, because it's "just become too expensive to justify!"
I'm registered blind. I need a far larger computer monitor than is typically provided in workplaces, in order to ensure that websites display fully at the magnification I need. Even on the largest possible monitor (in my last job, I was using a 50" smart TV as a computer monitor...Occupational Health freaked out about that...), not all websites do scale flawlessly.
If I'm working for a company where IT doesn't allow external downloads, or I'm expected to work with non-Microsoft products, I need a screenreader (honestly, though, IT teams...the free online options are way better than JAWS...and, did I mention... free? Just give me download permissions already!)
JAWS - the most common work-related screenreader software - runs to around £1,500 + VAT. Next to nothing, in contrast to the £56,000 & £13,000 claims sited in the Telegraph article for one "neurodivergent" claimant. Yet, the first time I applied for Access to Work support (not having a clue what I needed, but being in a panic because my job role had been changed, without consultation with me, to something I couldn't actually do with my sight loss), I was let go from my job before they even responded to my application.
In my second job, with a little more clarity on what could help, but still not entirely certain - because I didn't know what was possible, what would actually make a difference, etc - it took almost 7 months for Access to Work to even respond, they then failed to carry out a site assessment (which would have guided them towards a more appropriate accommodation then JAWS turned out to be, and may have also included additional accommodations that I hadn't been aware of), they didn't make it clear that they expected my employer to pay upfront, and be reimbursed - a fact which almost resulted in refusal to proceed - and then it took a further 6wks for my employer to "understand" how they needed to proceed...and then the employer only actually purchased the "limited introductory" version of JAWS, meaning I had to keep logging back in every 20minutes...which became very annoying for me, slowed down my work rate, and contributed to me being let go for the second time in two years.
My remaining sight has deteriorated significantly over the last month, including showing the same visual disturbances that eventually proved to be the beginning of the end of any sight in my right eye. If I'm honest, I'm terrified of what that means - because the UK government are ramping up threats and hostilities against the genuinely disabled - as opposed to the "merely has a diagnosis" (or "has decided they match enough points on an online rundown to call themselves...") - at the same time as hammering UK businesses with higher employer National Insurance costs, a higher wage bill, and in the midst of business profits in the UK more or less falling off a cliff, because of the impact on cheap online imports, worrying global events triggering market uncertainty, and people simply either outright being poorer, with higher wages failing to translate to "more money in their pockets", or feeling poorer - they have more money to their name, but it's not enough to grant any real sense of security - and therefore reducing their spending.
I actually need some experienced, proven marketing support so that The Productive Pessimist can really get going, and become a viable business, providing me with a liveable income - but I'm not earning anything, so I can't pay someone else, and I've had it literally screamed at me that you "don't ever dare expect people to work for free!" - even though I've been expected to work for free, including by very well-funded "professionals", in various roles over the past 20yrs, and have sometimes agreed to do so.
I do not consider it the government's responsibility to provide me with marketing support, unless it comes via a mandatory requirement to Universal Credit claimants with a relevant background, in which case I'm going to offer a direct agreement to that individual of a commission-only payment basis; if your marketing activity makes me money, you get 25% of it. Paid however you want. (Even if you're not on UC, if this appeals to you, drop me an email - theproductivepessimist@yahoo.com. I have literally nothing for upfront payments, but I'll honour the 25% commission. No CV, references, etc required - if you've done marketing work for a business services company before, just send me links to their sites and socials; if you haven't - tell me how you'd set about getting clients for The Productive Pessimist, in whatever format you're most comfortable with.)
Would I have benefited from some admin assistance in my previous employed roles? Potentially, based on the fact that in my last job I struggled to actually see most of the "admin" material I had to work with, and my employer loved graphic-heavy content, which meant a screenreader was completely useless. In the job before that, admin support would have enabled me to create a workable way to handle the altered job expectations that, on my own, I was physically unable to manage. But neither of those employers would agree to my having admin assistance, regardless of who was paying for it.
Let's take a look at the Access to Work claims that have been drawn out in the Telegraph article:
. Support Workers = It shouldn't have to be said, but...If you can't manage a job without a support worker, you are not actually "ready to work."
This is something the UK government needs to accept - because the alternative is going to be increased welfare spending. Someone working with a support worker the government is paying for is taking more "taxpayers' money" than someone who is simply on welfare, even at enhanced rates to reflect their disability.
. Work Coaches = there are several organisations offering free work coaching; I took advantage of Evenbreak's offer of free career coaching last year; while I personally didn't find it all that helpful - my issue with work coaches is that I've already considered everything they suggest, and tried every possibility I can afford, and can actually manage in terms of logistics and practicality - it may be a game-changer for someone else.
If you feel you need lived experience informed coaching, and an organisation like Evenbreak isn't currently offering free coaching, then The Productive Pessimist Ltd are able to provide work coaching for disabled people, neurodivergent folks, and kinship carers, whether you're looking to re-enter the workforce, step into work for the first time, change careers, or move up your sector's career ladder, for just £45 per session; as we typically recommend weekly sessions, a year's worth of coaching is just £2,340 - and we're happy to do session-by-session payments, with no minimum session expectation. One "session" includes the initial conversation, and two email follow up support interventions ahead of your next session; we're also happy to consider retained service provision from the DWP or other statutory or non-profit employability services, as well as directly from individual UK employers.
While free coaching support exists, it should not be the government's (or, more accurately, the taxpayers') responsibility to provide you with exactly the kind of work coach you personally want; work coaches have no "secret knowledge" that isn't available to those willing to do a bit of reading around on the internet, after all. (No, not even us - our specialist experience is working with...not especially inclusive employers whilst being disabled...)
Fidget toys = if you are employed, buy your own fidgets! You can find fidget toys for under a fiver in most high street discount shops, or online retailers will have plenty of selections, at a range of price points. If you are unemployed, and your finances are very limited, cheap options such as craft pipe cleaners offer a quiet, unobtrusive, easy to carry fidgets, or look for Rubik's or other puzzle cubes in charity shops, or on online selling sites. There are plentiful cheap options for fidgets; the government (taxpayer) should not be funding their provision for you.
Noise-cancelling headphones = similarly to fidget toys, if you are employed, buy your own, or, if you genuinely need a type of headphone you can't afford, request that your employer consider purchasing them as the default option for all staff, or at least as a reasonable accessibility accommodation in your case, if they cannot afford to offer them to all staff. In all likelihood, Access to Work will require your employer to pay for any provision they approve for you upfront anyway, so it's always worth asking, when you are offered the job (having presumably disclosed that you are neurodivergent) if the employer could either directly purchase, or extend a wages advance for you to purchase, the kinds of noise cancelling headphones which are best suited for you; this has the added benefit of meaning they will be available as soon as you start work, so you can be comfortable from day one, rather than having to wait on Access to Work.
Parents of neurodivergent young adults; noise cancelling headphones should perhaps have been something you have already supported your child with, certainly as they approach the position of entering the workforce.
Walking pads = before these were invented, people simply "bounced" on the balls of their feet whilst seated if they felt restless. It's literally free! (And potentially less intrusive to your colleagues.)
Burning off restless energy whilst still working is not just a neurodivergent trait; for example, I spin a pen between my fingers, I chew pen lids (and sometimes have to stop chewing pen lids, as it is distracting to colleagues), I tap (lightly, virtually inaudibly) on desks, I tap my feet, I think best when I'm pacing, if I'm working from home, I handle frustration by swinging a kettlebell weight around, or shadowboxing - again, educating on how essentially normal addressing restlessness directly and physically is is something The Productive Pessimist can engage with employers on, to establish a protocol which enables all staff to feel balanced and comfortable, even if some staff need to engage in some level of physical activity while they are working. Our Inclusive Design consultancy support (starting from just £45 per hour) covers things like having walking pads, etc for all staff, as a default - encourage your employer, or an employer you'd like to work for - to reach out to us, and explore options which remove the need for Access to Work involvement, and enhance inclusion by presenting interventions which help colleagues deal with mental health challenges and neurodiversity as "cool perks we all get to enjoy, to help work feel like less of a drag", meaning that people don't find themselves being singled out as "One of THOSE people" by colleagues who may not always be particularly tolerant.
. Workplace support for self-employed individuals = Quite honestly, this one does rest with the UK government, but in the remit of providing more routine financial support for disabled individuals pursuing self-employment; it genuinely isn't fair that people who are trying to build up their own business still only get the same money, and the same practical support, as people who have decided they "can't work at all"; starting a business is expensive. Ensuring it has the best chance of succeeding is expensive. It would be far more cost-effective for the DWP to engage with ourselves at The Productive Pessimist Ltd to identify how to provide the most relevant support from the holistic spread of resources - including human resources - the DWP already has access to, than for the welfare spend to be excessively added to by Access to Work claims.
Things like chairs which allow for cross-legged sitting, standing desks, etc, will often be suggested by Occupation Health experts, and can be purchased relatively affordably; if Access to Work funding is used for these items, it should only be made available if a claimant can provide evidence that they are already using this style of item (or working in the way it would more comfortably allow), for example, they have used a standing desk and/or cross-legged chair at home to complete homework or similar tasks, and found them genuinely beneficial in minimising discomfort or improving focus. If you see something that "looks cool", and you think might help - your money should be funding it, even if "your money" is crowdfunded from friends and family.
Sometimes, there also needs to be engagement with simply being an adult, and learning to tolerate things which are less than exactly what you'd prefer; for example, I actually work best laying down, typically in bed - I can layer blankets to mitigate cold, I find I get better upper back support from stacking pillows in a specific arrangement than from any chair, and I can bring my laptop closer to my face than a desk allows, which can help on websites that refuse to scale to the magnification I need.
However, if I'm doing a client call, that's not appropriate, nor would it be if I were on a client site, or in an employed position; so, I work on reminding myself how to tolerate sitting in an actual chair. Currently, the chair I use is actually a neighbour's discarded dining chair, with metal legs, a leather body, and a curved back...as someone who has experienced lifelong upper back pain (yes, medical professionals...upper back. My hips and lower back are fine), this is the most comfortable chair I've ever actually used, including expensive, "ergonomic" options provided by employers' Occupational Health teams. I found the chair - one of three, when I came across them - out by the bins whilst walking my dog; I picked up a chair, walked it home, and have never looked back! On client sites, I cope with whatever seating is available. Am I sometimes distracted by physical pain? Yes. But growing up in a working class household in the '90s teaches you that life isn't always going to be flawlessly comfortable and convenient, and you just have to try and push through - which is a skill I feel has been ignored in neurodiversity support in favour of "employability skills." It's not always easy to push through discomfort or distraction, but learning both how to try and do so, and how to responsibly identify that you can't, and identify immediately accessible, workable interventions, is a core lifeskill - for every neurotype. Obviously, there may be a genuine need for specifically designed furniture, for example if you have musculoskeletal conditions, or are unable to support yourself in an upright seated position (owing to the impact of stroke, for example, or conditions such as cerebral palsy), to avoid actual injury or long-term damage, but distinguishing 'discomfort' from 'pain' is, again, a lost art which needs to be brought back - although it does rely on people being believed when they say they are in pain, rather than discomfort.
The UK government is determined to enact exceptionally harsh "welfare reforms". These are going to impact disabled people in a way that it will likely be impossible for them to recover from. This is happening, in part, because people have been seeing finite resources intended for a specific demographic of recipients as an infinite well of opportunity for "everybody", and the government are panicking at the spiralling cost of providing resources many people believe are "free" and "have always just been there", and therefore anyone who feels their life isn't effortless is "entitled to as much of them as they want."
That, actually, is why the world is the way it is - people believe that finite resources are infinite, and "free", and they are therefore entitled to as much of them as they want, regardless of the cascade impacts that has for others.
So, How Do We Address Welfare Costs?
1. Start with the barriers:
. Legally prevent employers insisting on applicants "having a full UK driving licence" unless the job legitimately requires driving as a core component, and there is no way to mitigate that.
. Legally require employers to allow full time remote working from day one where the job can be performed remotely; performance interventions can include reasonable requirements for a return to office if an individual's performance is not as expected.
. Provide Occupational Health assessments as soon as a disabled person accepts a job offer; the organisation can then apply to Access to Work if that is required to provide accommodations.
. Provide free creche facilities in all workplaces whose roles cannot all be worked remotely, with availability restricted to employees.
. Make kinship care leave and chronic condition management leave as readily and supportedly available as maternity leave is.
. Invest in improved public transport, including a focus on public transport with greater disability access, which is legally protected against use by non-disabled passengers.
2. Limit schemes like Access to Work to their original intended recipient demographic.
3. Identify accessible "work related activity" - for example:
. One day per week volunteering (claimant's free choice of voluntary engagement)
. Study XYZ relevant skill via online remote learning
. Attend one regular, relevant networking event
. Post 5 pieces of business-related content per week (for those pursuing self-employment)
. Identify 3 jobs you feel you could do, or could do with accommodations
4. Match skills/ambitions in unemployed claimants to needs of claimants pursuing self-employment, and assign the formers' Work Related Activity to be supporting the latter. This gives self-employed claimants a greater chance of achieving a decent, predictable income, which could eventually enable them to employ the claimant/s who have been tasked to support them. Even if this does not materialise, the unemployed claimant/s have acquired recent, relevant work experience with an actual business, in a position which wouldn't be able to exist as a paid role.
The Productive Pessimist Ltd are available to:
. Consult with businesses
. Consult with statutory, non-profit, and government bodies
. Support disabled, mentally unwell, and/or neurodivergent individuals looking to pursue self-employment or engage with mainstream employment.
Our services start from just £45 per session, with several cheaper options also available slightly outside the direct sphere of this topic.
Email us: theproductivepessimist@yahoo.com
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