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At the end of June, the Government closed consultation on the Pathways to Work Green Paper. This was a chance for people to share their views on how the benefits system could better support disabled people, especially young people, to move into work when and if it’s right for them. We were proud to submit Family Fund’s response, sharing the voices and experiences of the families we support.
What families told us
Families shared honest, powerful insights that we made sure the Government heard. Here’s what families told us, loud and clear:
Support must be personal and never pressured. Young people need time, trust, and the right kind of help that’s offered at their pace, not being pushed.
Conversations about work and benefits need to be handled carefully. Families say these talks should be led by people who are trained in mental health, neurodiversity, and trauma-informed practice. Support should be kind, understanding, and include parents, carers or advocates where needed.
Some young people may never be able to work, and that’s okay. Forcing them into work-focused programmes or conversations shouldn’t be a condition for receiving support.
Delaying access to the health element of Universal Credit until age 22 would make things harder and not easier, especially at a time when young people are trying to take small steps toward independence.
Families also asked for improvements to Access to Work, including funding support upfront and making the system easier to use online.
It was clear that the system needs to empower young people and not put up more barriers.
What happens now?
The Government is now reading through all the feedback they’ve received. There’s no confirmed date yet for when they’ll share the results, however we expect a response sometime later in 2025, likely in the autumn.
After that, they may propose next steps or new plans based on what they’ve heard.
We’ll keep you updated
As soon as there’s news, we’ll share it here on our website, in email updates, and across our social media channels.
Thank you again to everyone who spoke up and helped shape our response. We’ll keep listening, and we’ll keep making sure your voices are heard.
Together, we’re working toward a system that works with families, not against them.
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