Disability benefit reforms hope to encourage more people to get jobs as charities raise concerns

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People with disabilities could get more help working from home as part of plans to reduce the number of people claiming sick pay, said the secretary for work and pensions.

< p>Mel Stride said new plans could allow people with health conditions that have kept them out of work to “have the right support and opportunities to leave benefits into the labor market.”

But disability charities have criticized the changes, warning they could force people to work when they don't feel well.

Mr. Stride said the government was considering changes to the Work Capacity Assessment, the test to determine how much a disability or illness limits a person's ability to work.

The Secretary to Work and Pensions said the assessment does not reflect how someone with a disability or medical condition might be able to work from home.

He said the new plans will take into account that people with mobility issues or who suffer from workplace anxiety “have better access to employment opportunities through increased flexible and home working”.

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He added that the changes would not affect these people. end of life, or suffering from severe learning difficulties or disabilities.

Mr. Stride said a consultation on the changes would last eight weeks and the government hoped they could come into force by 2025.< /p>

He told the House of Commons: "We know that many people on sick leave benefits want to work and, aided by modern working practices, they could do so while managing their condition. effectively.

“We have seen a huge change in the world of work in recent years, a huge change that has accelerated since the pandemic.

“It has opened up more opportunities for people with disabilities and those with health conditions to start, stay and succeed in their jobs.

(PA Archive)

But disability campaigners have warned against the plans, which are part of a post-p...