Employment and Support Allowance ‘Unfit for Purpose,’ according to Citizens Advice Scotland

The Employment and Support Allowance, introduced by the former Labour Government as a replacement for Incapacity Benefit since October 2008, is ‘unfit for purpose’ according to Citizens Advice Scotland.

The new report, based on a survey of CAB offices across Scotland, found that – under the benefit’s new Work Capability Assessment – many more new applicants are being found ‘fit for work’ than originally expected – more than two thirds (68%), compared with the original target of half (50%).

Worryingly, this is including many people with serious conditions such as Parkinson’s Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, terminal cancer, Bi-Polar disorder, heart failure, strokes and agoraphobia.

The report also found that, currently, one in four ‘fit for work’ assessments were being challenged,  suggesting the system – which the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) plans to roll out nationally from this October to all long-term recipients of Incapacity Benefit – is too inflexible and fails to take into account people’s full condition.

The report’s author, Keith Dryburgh, concluded: “A successful sickness benefit is one that provides financial support to those with significant health problems, as well as support to find and sustain employment for those who are capable of work.

“The current system is finding many clients with significant health problems fit for work, while failing to provide enough clients with the support that they need to move into employment.

“These problems must be addressed before long-term claimants of sickness benefits are put through the process.”

A DWP spokesperson told the BBC that they intended to press ahead with the roll out from this October: “People need much more support to manage their conditions and get help to find work and moving them to ESA is the best way to do that.”

“We are fully aware this is a big undertaking and that is why we are working on plans to make the change happen as smoothly as possible,” they added.

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