Assessment changes could hit people's benefits

Disabled people could be forced to look for work when they are not capable or well enough if proposed changes to the work capability assessment categories are imposed rather than voluntary, a leading disability body has said.

The Department of Work and Pensions is currently consulting on changes designed to be more suitable for home working and flexible employment arrangements, including removing consideration of a person’s mobility, incontinence and capacity for social engagement.

The categories determine what activities people can do and how that affects their ability to work, which influences an assessor’s decision about their entitlement to benefits and other support.

James Taylor, executive director of strategy at disability equality charity Scope, welcomed the consultation but warned that any changes, due to come into force in 2025, “must be flexible and voluntary”.

“We’re worried these proposals will end up forcing huge numbers of disabled people to look for work when they aren’t well enough, making them more ill,” he said. “If they don’t meet strict conditions, they’ll have their benefits stopped. In the grips of a cost of living crisis this could be catastrophic.

“Is this about improving employment outcomes for disabled people, or is this about reducing benefit spend? There’s no reason why more tailored, flexible employment support could not be offered to all disabled people on a voluntary basis.”