Immediate Action Needed: Green Paper Consultation on Deaf Access to Work Support

We need your help, and we need it now.

As many of you may know, there’s a crucial Green Paper consultation currently underway, which could significantly impact Access to Work (AtW) funding for Deaf people. The consultation ends on June 29th, which means time is running out to have your voice heard.

Some proposed changes include:

• Lowering the maximum budget available for support services like interpreting.

• Shifting the burden of paying for interpreting services to employers before AtW provides any funding.

If these changes are implemented, they could make it harder for Deaf people to access the support they need in the workplace, and employers may be less likely to hire Deaf individuals if they are required to contribute financially.

At Deaf Umbrella, we strongly oppose these proposals. It’s critical that everyone who relies on Access to Work speaks up now. There are some resources for you to join the consultation, including both BSL and English, and a draft letter template to send to your MP.

What you can do:

1. Visit the DeafATW Green Paper consultation page: DeafATW Green Paper Consultation

2. Take 5 minutes to read the materials, including the 20-minute BSL presentation and summaries on the consultation.

3. Email your MP (template letter available) and make your voice heard before the consultation deadline of June 29th.

We urge you to get involved and share this information with your colleagues, clients, and networks. The future of Access to Work and the support that Deaf people depend on is at risk.

We’re deeply concerned about these potential changes and the significant negative impact on our community. Your participation could make all the difference.

Thank you for standing with us and with the Deaf community.

Update: New Resources from NUBSLI to Support Your Consultation Response

We’ve just received some additional resources from NUBSLI (The National Union of BSL Interpreters) to help you take part in the Green Paper consultation. These materials are designed to make the process easier and more accessible.

NUBSLI has created two resources to guide you:

1. The ‘Cheat Sheet’ – A quick, bullet-pointed guide that encourages fast responses. It’s perfect if you want to add your own comments and insights in a simple way.

2. The ‘Member Guidance’ – A more detailed resource for those who prefer to copy, adapt, or expand on suggested responses.

NUBSLI strongly encourages everyone to respond and to share these resources with colleagues, friends, and family. If possible, include your own personal experiences or evidence to strengthen your response.

For further information and to access the resources, visit the DeafATW Green Paper page in both BSL and English here: DeafATW Green Paper Consultation.

Let’s ensure that our voices are heard and that the support Deaf people depend on remains protected.