News

21 March 2011

The Work & Pensions select committee have launched an inquiry into the process of migration from Incapacity Benefits to Employment Support Allowance, including the Work Capability Assessment.

The committee is inviting submissions of up to 3,000 words from interested individuals and organisations.  The deadline is tight, however.  The inquiry was announced on 17 March and the closing date for submissions is 14 April.

Amongst  the issues the inquiry will look at are the following:

The Work Capability Assessment including: the assessment criteria; the service provided by Atos staff; the suitability of assessment centres; and customers’ overall experience of the process.

The decision-making process and how it could be improved to ensure that customers are confident that the outcome of their assessment is a fair and transparent reflection of their capacity for work.

The appeals process, including the time taken for the appeals process to be completed; and whether customers who decide to appeal the outcome of their assessment have all the necessary guidance, information and advice to support them through the process.

More information and details of how to make a submission are available here.