News

Official statistics for reassessment of incapacity benefit claimants to ESA
Statistics released by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) on 15 March 2012 show that one third of claimants have been found fit for work under the reassessment procedure for the migration of claimants from incapacity benefits to employment and support allowance (ESA).

The first statistics to be published on this show that 141,000 claimants had been reassessed up to the end of July 2011 and included claimants in receipt of incapacity benefit (IB), severe disablement allowance (SDA), and income support (IS). The figures reveal that 37% of claimants were found fit for work and not entitled to ESA. Of the 63% of claimants found to be unfit for work and entitled to ESA, 34% were placed in the Work Related Activity Group (WRAG) and 29% were placed in the Support Group.

Commenting on the statistics the Minister for Employment, Chris Grayling said the figures “​completely justify our decision to reassess all the people on incapacity benefits. To have such a high percentage who are found fit for work just emphasises what a complete waste of human lives the current system has been.”​ He continues “​We know that for many it will be a long haul back to work but it’​s much better to help them on their journey than to leave them on benefits for the rest of their lives.”​

More information can be found on the DWP website