Helping Incapacity Benefit claimants back to work

1.6 million people on Incapacity Benefit will be assessed for their fitness to work under a nationwide scheme rolled out today.

A pilot scheme tested in Burnley and Aberdeen found that 32 per cent of people were able to return to work immediately with a further 38 per cent capable of returning to work with the right support.

All those found fit to work will be signed up to the Government’s Work Programme, launched last Friday, which provides tailored support to help people find jobs and stay in employment.

Employment Minister Chris Grayling said: “The evidence clearly shows that there are people out there who, with the right support, will be able to gain ¬employment and say goodbye to a life on benefits.

“For too long millions of people have been written off with no real support to get back into sustained employment. The changes we are making to the benefits system will ensure that those in genuine need get more support and those who could and should be working are given the opportunity to do so.

“A life on benefits is no longer an option.”