Commenting on the Government's announcement on the future of the Access to work scheme, which provides funding and support for disabled people in work, Liz Sayce, chief executive of Disability Rights UK said:
'The change to personal budgets is a very welcome step. It will mean increased flexibility and less bureaucracy for disabled people, allowing them to concentrate on their jobs instead of filling out endless forms.
'Disabled people are more likely to be self-employed than non-disabled people, so additional help for people who work for themselves is also welcome.
'But why a sting in the tail in the form of a cap on awards? Even now, with no cap, the scheme makes the government money. For every £1 spent on Access to Work, £1.48 comes back to the Exchequer in tax, national insurance or savings to the benefits bill.
'This short sighted change will mean that employers may avoid recruiting the best people for the job, and that's a waste of talent, resources and energy.'