62 per cent of completed work capability assessments find claimant ‘fit for work’

New statistics also show that 39 per cent of those found fit for work have had appeal heard by tribunal and that 38 per cent of those appeals successful

26 October, 2011

65 per cent of completed work capability assessments (WCAs) found the claimant 'fit for work', according to new DWP statistics

Findings of the 'Employment and Support Allowance: work capability assessment by health condition and functional impairment: Official Statistics October 2011' include the 'headline figures' that for all new ESA claims from 27 October 2008 to 28 February 2011, the result of the initial WCA  was -

• support group - 7 per cent;

• work related activity group -17 per cent;

• fit for work - 38 per cent;

• claim closed before assessment complete - 36 per cent; and

• assessment still in progress - 2 per cent.

In addition, for all completed initial assessments to the end of February 2011 - not including assessments still in progress or people who left ESA before completing an assessment - the breakdown of the DWP decision was -

• support group – 11 per cent;

• work related activity group - 27 per cent; and

• fit for work - 62 per cent.

In relation to appeals, the statistics show that, of people who made a claim for ESA between October 2008 and August 2010 and who were found fit for work, 39% have had an appeal heard by Tribunals Service to date and 39 per cent of those appeals were successful.

In its related statistical summary of the new figures, the DWP notes that the 'headline figures' are very similar to those in the previous July 2011 publication with the fit for work rate having fallen from 39 per cent to 38 per cent, whilst proportions in the support group and the work related activity group 'have remained steady.'

However, commenting on the figures, Employment Minister Chris Grayling said that the figures showed that changes to the WCA were starting to show results -

'We are seeing an increase in the number of severely disabled people being given long-term unconditional support, which shows that our reforms to the work capability assessment are starting to work.

However, it’s clear that the majority of new claimants to sickness benefits are in fact able to return to work. For those that need additional help our new Work programme is up and running and will tailor support to people’s needs so that they can overcome whatever barriers they face.'

The Employment and Support Allowance: WCA by health condition and functional impairment: Official Statistics October 2011, the October 2011 WCA statistical summary, and Mr Grayling's comments on the October 2011 WCA statistics are available from the DWP website.