The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has announced a consultation on significant changes to the Work Capability Assessment (WCA), aiming to help thousands of disabled people and those with health conditions into employment. The consultation, launched on September 5, will run until October 30, with the government intending to respond by the end of the year.
The proposed reforms focus on updating assessment criteria to reflect the rise of flexible and home working, as well as improved employer support. The changes would affect less than a quarter of the activities currently covered in the WCA, impacting only some claimants. The DWP plans to eventually remove the WCA entirely, viewing these changes as a stepping stone.
In 2022, over 700,000 people underwent a WCA, and approximately 2.45 million people currently receive benefits with limited capability for work-related activity. Spending on Employment Support Allowance and Universal Credit health support is projected to rise 13% in real terms, from £25.9 billion in 2023/24 to £29.2 billion in 2027/28, with over 500,000 more people expected to claim these benefits.
Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Mel Stride stated that the assessments have not been reviewed in over a decade and do not reflect modern work realities. The consultation aims to ensure that those currently excluded from the labour market can safely access work with tailored support. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak emphasised that work provides financial security and purpose, and the reforms will help people take advantage of modern working environments.
