Access to Work is a publicly funded employment support programme that aims to help more disabled people start or stay in work. It can provide practical and financial support for people who have a disability or long term physical or mental health condition. Support can be provided where someone needs help or adaptations beyond reasonable adjustments.
An Access to Work grant can pay for practical support to help your employee stay in work, or to support you if you are self-employed.
Learn more about the support available to help you hire disabled people with the skills you need in your business or support an employee.

This scheme will fund the direct creation of high-quality jobs for young people aged between 16-24, on Universal Credit and at the highest risk of long-term unemployment. It will give them the chance to build their confidence and skills in the workplace and to gain experience that will improve their chances of progressing onto longer-term sustainable work.
The scheme will sit alongside the expanded Youth Offer delivered through DWP and complement other programmes such as traineeships and apprenticeships.
The Government will provide £2billion to create thousands of high-quality 6-month work placements through Kickstart. Funding available for each job will cover 100% of the relevant national minimum wage for 25 hours a week, plus the associated employer National Insurance and pension contributions. Employers will be able to top up that payment if they wish to do so. The National Minimum Wage is as follows;
- £4.55 for under 18-year olds
- £6.45 for 18 to 20-year olds
- £8.20 for 21 to 24-year olds
How to get involved
If you have 30 or more job placements available at your business, you can apply directly for funding though the scheme.
If you would like to support the scheme but can only offer one or two placements (or less than 30) you can work with a Gateway organisation, who can manage the process on your behalf. Learn more about accessing funding for 29 or less placements.
If you would like to become a Kickstart Gateway organisation, helping to co-ordinate placements across a number of businesses, learn more at Gov.uk.
Find out who is acting as a Kickstart Gateway organisation in Cheshire West and Chester.
If you would like extra support either offering a placement or becoming a gateway organisation, please contact DWP direct.
Case Study – find out how Molinare TV and Film are planning to help young people get a foothold in the creative sector through Kickstart.