Charities say sickness benefit reforms aren’t working

Papworth Trust is leading a coalition of disability charities declaring that the Work Capability Assessment, which examines people’s fitness for employment, isn’t working.

Charities are being overwhelmed by evidence showing the assessment to be inaccurate and often unfair to the nation’s most vulnerable people. The assessment is too focused on physical capability, meaning that people with serious mental health issues, learning disabilities and fluctuating health conditions are often marked as fit to work.

Wendy, a Nurse Manager who had a breakdown and tried to commit suicide after being overwhelmed with stress, has been assessed as fit to work. Wendy says “I went from being a capable person to someone who couldn’t even make simple decisions such as what to eat.  I was like that for several months.” 

Her assessment was carried out by a nurse rather than a psychiatrist or psychologist.  Because Wendy could wash, dress, walk and talk coherently, she was determined fit to work. Wendy says “Our financial worries are a major stress factor. I’ve always paid into the system and have never claimed for anything before.  I desperately want to go back to work but am still unwell.  I need time and support to recover before I can hold down a full-time job again.”

Papworth Trust believes that the independent assessors have not been sufficiently trained to recognise the full range of disabilities, causing people dealing with serious health conditions to be reported as work ready.

Matthew Lester, Work and Learning Director of Papworth Trust says that “While we back the government’s aim to sort those who can work from those who can’t, it is crucial that those genuinely unable to work continue to get the support they need. The current process causes massive uncertainty and stress for those already struggling with their health. We believe that people should be supported before, during and after the assessment, with advice available at every step.”

For anyone concerned about the Work Capability Assessment, please contact Papworth Trust on 0800 952 5000 option 2, Monday-Friday 9am-4pm.

There are twenty two organisations in the coalition including MIND, the MS Society and Remploy. They met in London on 28th July and are now submitting evidence to Professor Harrington’s review. Please email helen.sampson@papworth.org if you would like to see the submission.

For further information or to speak to our case study Wendy, please contact Helen Sampson, Marketing Manager 07528361511 - 01480 357259

For anyone concerned about the Work Capability Assessment, please contact Papworth Trust on 0800 952 5000 option 2, Monday-Friday 9am-4pm.