At BOP, we stand in full solidarity with Graeae and Touretteshero. The recent UK policy shifts—cuts to Universal Credit, delays and reductions in Access to Work awards, and reductions in Personal Independence Payment—are not just bureaucratic changes; they are direct assaults on the livelihoods and careers of disabled artists. These changes threaten to dismantle the progress we’ve collectively fought for over decades.

For years BOP has championed and promoted the Access to Work Scheme because as a technocratic response to getting disabled people into work, it worked. Beginning in 1994, ahead of the DDA, it created a practical way to support disabled people to access jobs and careers where more was required than the ‘reasonable adjustments’ that employer’s were responsible for under the law. Reducing provision in this area while also eroding other mechanisms by which disabled people can address the barriers and costs within their lives – such as cuts to PIP – will push people out of employment and of the cultural sector. It will limit careers and it will reduce the diversity of our culture. This is a sector that has been working for ‘equality, diversity and inclusion’ for decades, not just to adhere to cultural policy which set this as a priority but crucially because most believe the exclusion of marginalised people weakens culture and art.

We know how to “get disabled people into work” – let us get on with doing just that

Graeae’s statement highlights the severity of the situation: “We employ over 200 Deaf, disabled and neurodivergent people every year. We offer a fair wage with good conditions. It is our mission to break down the barriers to employment.” Yet, with the current policy landscape, even sustaining this mission becomes a formidable challenge.

Working in Scotland since 1993, BOP has been at the forefront of championing disabled artists, ensuring their stories are told and their talents recognised. BOP is older than Access to Work – which began in 1994 – but does not plan on going anywhere while the place of disabled people in culture remains so insecure. The UK-wide policy changes directly undermine our efforts. The delays and uncertainty in Access to Work, for instance, can stall productions and projects, leaving disabled artists and workers sidelined.

We echo Graeae’s call: “True inclusion needs investment, clarity, and dignity — not punishment for trying to participate.” It’s imperative that policymakers recognise the invaluable contributions of disabled artists and provide the necessary support to ensure their continued participation in the arts as workers and professionals.

BOP remains committed to advocating for supportive and accessible environments for all artists and arts workers. BOP does not want to see barriers for disabled people who are accessing a career in the arts become more severe. We urge our colleagues, audiences, partners and policymakers to join us as we advocate alongside out peers. Together, we can work to ensure that the arts remain a space where everyone can thrive, a space that is representative of a commitment to disability justice in the arts.

Find out more – Take Action

Disability Arts Online have pulled together information about what is happening to Access to Work and the actions you can take. This includes a helpful Call to Action.

Over 100 disabled people have written to Keir Starmer to demand he immediately withdraws planned cuts to Disability benefits. Join the campaign and STOP the Government #TakingThePip. The website, with the full open letter on and a full list of signatories is www.takingthepip.co.uk