Just six per cent of applicants for the Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) passed the tough new criteria in the last three months and were deemed able to claim the benefit, the Department for Work and Pensions has revealed.

Forty per cent were considered fit to work and another 36 per cent abandoned their application before having to be assessed by medical staff. Sixteen per cent were considered capable of working with support and assessments were ongoing for the remaining two per cent.

Of the people who were deemed unable to work, 35 per cent had a disability, 22 per cent were considered a health risk to themselves and others, 16 per cent were having chemotherapy, 11 per cent were terminally ill and one per cent was pregnant.

The work and pensions minister Chris Grayling said: "Once again we have clear evidence of the need for change in our welfare system. We now know very clearly that the vast majority of new claimants for sickness benefits are in fact able to return to work.

"That's why we are turning our attention to existing claimants, who were simply abandoned on benefits. We will, of course, carry on providing unconditional support to those who cannot work, but for those who can it's right and proper that they start back on the road to employment."

The figures were roughly the same as in the last two years although new applicants have to undergo fitness to work tests and in 2013 current claimants will have to be medically assessed.

http://www.publicservice.co.uk/news_story.asp?id=16175

also see http://www.dwp.gov.uk/newsroom/press-releases/2011/apr-2011/dwp043-11.shtml