Half claiming disability are able to work

MORE than half of people being newly assessed for an allowance which replaced Incapacity Benefit were found to be able to do some form of work, according to Government figures.

The Department for Work and Pensions said new claims for the Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) showed that 54% of people assessed could do some work, while 46% were eligible for the benefit.

The figures, for the quarter to February, also showed that one-in-four of those assessed were put in a group given unconditional support as they were too ill or disabled to work.

Those found fit for work will be helped through initiatives like the Work Programme to find a job.

Employment Minister Mark Hoban said: “We know that many people with disabilities or health conditions want to work and the old Incapacity Benefit system simply wrote them off to a lifetime on benefits.

“We are determined to carry on improving the assessment so those who are too unwell to work get the financial support they need, while those who can work get help to get a job.”