‘Trials’ that fail the fitness test

AMBER RUDD, the Work and Pensions secretary, spoke out this week about the assessment process to access benefits, saying that many disabled people ‘feel put on trial’.

Ms rudd says she wants to change the ‘language of scroungers and shirkers’ that is all too often associated with the benefits system.

I believe that the assessment process is vital. It’s right that disability benefits are given only to those who really need them.

However, Ms rudd certainly has a point that the process needs rethinking.

One group routinely failed by the current system are those with mental health problems. Asking them to walk ten paces to demonstrate their mobility, for example, is totally irrelevant. We need better tests that make allowances for those whose symptoms may not be obvious.

I spend a significant amount of my time writing reports to appeal decisions for individuals with profound, enduring mental health problems who have been refused benefits because they are deemed fit to work. But they will never be able to hold down a job, and need state support.

And even for those who win their appeal, some will be called again within a year to be reassessed, despite medical reports making it clear that there has been no change to their symptoms.

this is a waste of resources, and the stress often further compounds their mental health difficulties. so yes, Ms rudd, we do need change.