From the Press Association, 10 February 2011
The first Government programme to reassess people on incapacity benefit showed that a “substantial number” of claimants have the potential to return to work, ministers have announced.
Provisional figures of 1,347 reassessments in Burnley and Aberdeen showed that 399 (29.6%) were found to be fit for work, 422 (31.3%) will receive unconditional support and 526 (39%) could look for work “with the right help and support”.
The programme will be rolled out to other areas later this month before a nationwide launch across Britain in April, covering 1.5 million people.
Employment Minister Chris Grayling said: “The initial findings from Burnley and Aberdeen serve to underline why it's right to reassess incapacity benefit claimants and to launch the Work Programme to give those who can work the specialist help they need to do so.
“Too many people were simply abandoned to a life on benefits. We are determined to put a stop to that terrible waste of potential.”
The Department for Work and Pensions announced last month that most people applying for a sickness-related benefit were either being found to be fit for work or stopped their claim before completing a medical assessment.
A report showed that 39% of people claiming the Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) between October 2008 and last May were found to be fit for work, so will switch to claiming Jobseeker's Allowance.
In a further 36% of cases, claims were closed before a medical assessment was completed, while 3% of claims are still being assessed.
Ministers said the figures show why they are determined to reform the welfare system and press ahead with the reassessment of those on the old-style incapacity benefit, which the ESA replaces.
Last month's report covered new claims, whereas the new study counted current claimants in the two areas.
Copyright © 2011 The Press Association. All rights reserved.
Well you can’t argue with the figures.
Providing that when and if I ever need further support from ESA or DLA and my illness and its severity are properly assessed and considered, then fine.
There will always be those who, for a variety of reasons are not judged appropriate for any particular support.
And if they keep changing the appraisal system and the advice then this will always happen.
What I object most strongly to, is the way this is being reported in the media. That those who are being found ‘fit for work’ are all cheats and dishonest.
If proper and more appropriate support was in place for the most vulnerable then this number of people for whom any support is judged necessary would not be exploited in this way.
It is the system that is at fault and not the people seeking help from it. At least not all the people and not all of the time.