Evaluation of Access to Work Plus – Qualitative research with employees, employers and DWP staff involved in the Access to Work Plus Proof of Concept
This report summarises the impact of the Access to Work Plus (AtW+) Proof of Concept (PoC) on supporting employees with health conditions and/or disabilities to remain in work and their employers. The report also explores the effectiveness of the application process and delivery of the PoC.
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Details
Research background
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) commissioned The Policy Institute at King’s College London to conduct qualitative research on the impact, feasibility and delivery of Access to Work Plus (AtW+) for wider implementation. The study explored how AtW+ was implemented, its effects on employees and employers, and its potential integration into standard AtW delivery.
This study used a qualitative approach, including 32 semi-structured interviews and focus groups with employees and employers in receipt of AtW+ as well as DWP case managers involved in AtW+ (carried out between August 2024 and January 2025). Participants were purposively selected from DWP samples to ensure a diversity of perspectives and experiences.
Contribution to the evidence base
Given AtW+ was only launched in May 2022, there is currently no other evidence about the impact or effectiveness of the Proof of Concept (PoC). Therefore, this research is critically important to building the evidence base on AtW+ to inform decisions on the potential future rollout of the scheme.
Research value
The future of AtW+ will be considered as part of the Pathways to Work Green Paper, in line with our wider reform plans.