The Labour Government is removing the fear of immediate benefits loss for 7,500 of disabled people in Portsmouth North who want to try work. New legislation that comes into force today (Thursday 30th April) will support disabled people with a ‘right to try’ work without losing benefits.
More than a third (37 percent) of disabled people and people with health conditions told the DWP Work Aspirations survey that they want to work, but are held back by fear of losing their benefits.
The landmark legislation – coming into force today – means entering employment will not automatically trigger benefit reassessment for claimants on new-style Employment and Support Allowance, Personal Independence Payment, and Universal Credit health element.
These policy changes developed by disabled people and those with health conditions via ‘Collaboration Committee’. Following recommendations from this committee the legislation also includes a guarantee that those looking to volunteer will be able to do so without fear of benefit reassessment – helping people move closer to, or into, work.
The changes are part of the Government’s drive to unlock work for sick or disabled people and boost living standards, by helping them move into good, secure jobs. This is backed by a £3.5 billion investment in tailored employment support by the end of the decade.
Minister for Social Security and Disability, Sir Stephen Timms, said: “Giving sick and disabled people legal protection to try work without fear is vital for their futures and for growing our economy.
“It’s part of the work we’re doing to bear down on the cost of living and boost living standards for sick or disabled people in every corner of the country.
“With 2.8 million people out of work due to long-term sickness, we’re removing the barriers that have held people back for too long.”
Whilst this legislation ensures that entering work is not in itself a trigger for reassessment, where a reassessment is already due to take place, this will continue as normal.
Amanda Martin MP for Portsmouth North said: “I’m glad that the Labour Government is removing barriers to work for disabled people with The Right to Try. For too long, those with long term illnesses and disabilities have been abandoned to a life on benefits – even when they want to work.
By removing the fear that giving work a go will result in an immediate loss of benefits, 7,500 sick and disabled people in Portsmouth North will be able to see if work works for them, boosting their living standards and supporting our local economy by unlocking the talent that previous governments have ignored.”
Brian Dow, Chief Executive, of Mental Health UK said: “People often tell us that fear of reassessment, or even losing essential support if things don’t work out, is a significant barrier to taking those first steps back into work. The Right to Try is a positive and practical step that will ensure people have a safety net when exploring opportunities for work or volunteering.
“This welcome initiative will ensure people are more supported and help them to build confidence, skills and connection at a pace that supports their recovery to better mental health.”
The Government’s wider support offer includes innovative programmes that meet sick or disabled people where they are, such as WorkWell – which is now set to unlock opportunities for 250,000 more people – and the Connect to Work programme which will provide personalised help for 300,000 people over the next five years.
Reforms which have just come into force will also tackle the perverse incentives in the Universal Credit system inherited by this government, which keep people trapped on benefits. By introducing a lower health element for new claimants, the government will save nearly £1 billion in taxpayer money and help move people towards work.
