WCA reforms to be introduced this summer
Recommendations made by Professor Malcolm Harrington to improve work capability assessment (WCA) are on schedule to be delivered with the Work Programme this summer. Professor Harrington’s report published in November 2010 included evidence from disability charities and individuals familiar with employment support for disabled people.
Minister for Employment Chris Grayling said:
Improving the WCA is central to our commitment to help thousands of people start the journey back to work.
It’s in everyone’s interest that we get the WCA right and that it’s seen as a positive first step towards work.
Those who are found fit for work will get the help and support they need to get a job. Those found too sick or disabled to work won’t be expected to and will continue to receive the help and support they need to lead fulfilling lives.”
By this summer people with long term health problems, such as cancer patients and those with severe mental health problems will not be forced into taking regular assessments. As it stands, cancer patients between courses of chemotherapy are required to undertake WCA, however, the DWP has confirmed that discrepancies between those receiving and those waiting to receive chemotherapy will be halted.
Kuki Taylor
