26 October 2010 – Grayling: latest figures show the vast majority of people being found fit for work
Three-quarters of people applying for the new Employment and Support Allowance programme (ESA) are being found fit for work after undergoing the Work Capability Assessment or stop their claim before they complete their medical assessment, according to official statistics published today.
The official findings come as the Government presses ahead with its programme of reassessing those on the old style incapacity benefit (IB), which began in Burnley and Aberdeen earlier this month, and rolls out across the country next year.
Employment Minister Chris Grayling:
"With over two million people trapped on incapacity benefits, these figures underline how important it is that we make sure everyone who has the potential to work gets the right help to move off benefits and into a job.
"However, I am determined that we get the medical assessment right, which is why Professor Malcolm Harrington is undertaking an independent review in consultation with a number of charities representing disabled people and those with mental health issues. I am more than happy to take onboard any serious suggestions for changing the assessment as I want it to be as near to perfect as we can be.
"This is not about pushing the sick and disabled into jobs but giving those that can work the help to do so and those that can't more, not less, support."
For new ESA claims from October 2008 to February 2010, the breakdown is:
- Support Group (for those who cannot work now or in the foreseeable future and need unconditional support) – 6%
- Work Related Activity Group (for those who cannot work now but with the right help could work in the foreseeable future) – 15%
- Fit for Work - 39%
- Claim closed before assessment complete or assessment still in process– 39%
Ministers have already made changes to the way the Work Capability Assessments recognise people suffering from mental health conditions and those with cancer.
Note to Editors:
- The full Employment and Support Allowance: Work Capability Assessments statistics are available here: http://research.dwp.gov.uk/asd/workingage/esa_wca/index.php?page=esa_wca_arc
Media Enquiries: 0203 267 5108
Out of hours: 07659 108 883
Website: www.dwp.gov.uk
Note that the Work Capability Assessment (WCA) is being reviewed with the Harrington enquiry due to report by the end of the year. The WCA will also be assessed every year over 5 years moving forward.
PDF version
Ministers have said that they are on track to implement the recommendations of the recent Harrington Review of the Work Capability Assessment (WCA) by the summer, and that they are pressing ahead with changes to regulations which will mean people suffering from mental health problems or going through chemotherapy will be given more leeway in the review process
The Government is in the process of implementing the findings of two reviews, one carried out for the last Government, and a second comprehensive review of the whole process carried out by Professor Malcolm Harrington which recommended further changes.
The planned improvements include a much greater personalisation of the whole assessment process, and measures to provide additional safeguards to protect the most vulnerable current claimants of incapacity benefits. The Government will also ask assessors to take into account how well claimants have adapted to their conditions before judging whether or not they can be given specialist help to get back into work.
New regulations published today will enact some of these changes, by treating people who are waiting for or between courses of chemotherapy in the same way as those already receiving it, and also extend the criteria for people with severe disability due to mental health conditions, meaning fewer very sick people will be asked to attend an assessment.
Also published today is a report by the Social Security Advisory Committee (SSAC), and Ministers agree with their recommendations that more empathy, improved communications with claimants and better decision making will help improve the process.
That’s why the Government has subsequently accepted all the recommendations made by Professor Malcolm Harrington in his independent review of the WCA, and has also asked him to continue in his role as Independent Reviewer.
Minister for Employment Chris Grayling said:
"Improving the WCA is central to our commitment to help thousands of people start the journey back to work.
"It’s in everyone’s interest that we get the WCA right and that it’s seen as a positive first step towards work.
"Those who are found fit for work will get the help and support they need to get a job. Those found too sick or disabled to work won’t be expected to and will continue to receive the help and support they need to lead fulfilling lives."
Notes to Editors:
Further details of both reviews can be found at:
http://www.dwp.gov.uk/newsroom/press-releases/2011/feb-2011/dwp017-11.shtml
Majority of people found fit for work as Government presses ahead with reforms
The vast majority of people who apply for Employment and Support Allowance are either being found fit for work after undergoing a Work Capability Assessment or stop their claim before they complete their medical assessment.
The official statistics, published today, demonstrate why Ministers are determined to reform the welfare system and press ahead with the reassessment of those on the old style incapacity benefit (IB), which began in Burnley and Aberdeen last year and will roll out across the country later this year.
Employment Minister Chris Grayling:
For new ESA claims from October 2008 to May 2010, the breakdown is:
Ministers have already made changes to the way the Work Capability Assessments recognise people suffering from mental health conditions and those with cancer.
Note to Editors:
http://www.dwp.gov.uk/newsroom/press-releases/2011/jan-2011/dwp008-11.shtml