The Government is once again looking at the Work Capability Assessment, which decides if you are fit for work, if, for example, you have disabilities. This news has not been welcomed by Disability rights groups for a number of reasons – you can get a good insight into this perspective on the Disability Rights UK website. We suggest you read this before taking part in the consultation (which is linked at the foot of this article).
Below is the Government’s own press release on the consultation:
The Government has launched an important consultation on proposals to revamp the Work Capability Assessment (WCA) to better reflect changes to the world of work potentially opening up new opportunities for disabled people.
Supporting people into work is a key priority for this government with £3.5 billion of additional investment at the last Budget to get more people into work. This includes £2 billion targeted at those who are sick and disabled.
The WCA has not been significantly updated since 2011 and among the mooted changes is refining categories related to mobility and social interaction, reflecting the increasing support for flexible and remote work arrangements by employers.
Under plans included in the consultation, those identified as capable of work preparation activity under the new criteria would receive tailored support, preventing automatic exclusion from available support.
The consultation is open until 30 October, and we are urging people to get involved.
The Consultation
The consultation itself, which includes details of how you can share your views at accessible virtual events hosted by the DWP, can be found on GOV.UK.
