The DWP is to be probed over funding cuts and huge backlogs plaguing its Access to Work scheme, which is supposed to help disabled people find jobs and stay in employment.

The National Audit Office is to launch an investigation amid a crisis that has seen support reduced while waiting lists grow longer due to increased demand for the service. A huge backlog means 62,000 people are awaiting help.

The crisis comes at a time when Labour says it is keen to get more disabled people into work. It is said to be considering renewed attempts at welfare reforms in the Autumn Budget as the sickness and disability benefits bill soars ever higher while the economy struggles and cost-of-living pressures on working families continue to rise.

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