The government has put forth plans suggesting that individuals with disabilities could receive extended support for home-based employment. The proposals were unveiled by the Secretary for Work and Pensions, Mel Stride, and include various benefit reforms intended to facilitate job acquisition and decrease governmental expenditures.
Stride assured Parliament that any modifications in benefit assessments would not impact those nearing the end of their lives or those with severe learning disabilities. However, concerns have been raised by charities that the proposed changes may push ill individuals into the workforce.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has initiated a consultation to deliberate on prospective changes to work capability assessments. These assessments aim to ascertain the extent to which a disability or illness inhibits a claimant’s capacity to work. Updates to the categories linked with mobility and social interaction, accommodating flexible and remote working, and offering individualized support to those deemed capable of work preparation activity are among the proposed changes.
The consultation is slated to occur over a span of eight weeks, with the government hopeful that the reforms will be enacted by the year 2025, bearing in mind this is post the next general election.
Stride, addressing the issue in the House of Commons, noted that the world of work has undergone significant changes in recent years, which have “opened up opportunities” for disabled people and those with health conditions. He pointed out the limitations of the work capability assessment in reflecting how a disabled individual might be capable of working from home. He further stated that the new plans would acknowledge that those with mobility issues or workplace anxiety can benefit from the rise in flexible and home-based work.
The Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, expressed his belief that work can transform lives and the proposed changes would prevent anyone from being obstructed in achieving their full potential through work.
Despite these assurances, disability charities have raised an alarm, cautioning that these new plans could have dire consequences. James Taylor, from disability equality charity Scope, stressed that pushing ill people to seek employment might worsen their conditions, possibly leading to a halt in benefits amidst a cost-of-living crisis.
The DWP has defended its proposals, stating that they are designed to prepare for the support and work incentives that will be provided when the work capability assessments are ultimately abolished, as previously announced by Jeremy Hunt in his first spring Budget.
Finally, the government has committed to a £2 billion investment to aid individuals with long-standing health conditions and disabilities in seeking employment.