Stephen Morgan MP has given his support to new measures that will remove the fear of immediate benefits loss for over 16,500 disabled people in Portsmouth who want to try work.
New legislation has now come into force that will support disabled people with a ‘right to try’ work without losing benefits. More than a third (37%) 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, which has now come into force, 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.
Commenting, Stephen Morgan, MP for Portsmouth South, said:
“Through Right to Try, this Government has taken major steps towards removing the barriers to work for disabled people.
“I know from conversations with those in Portsmouth with long term illnesses and disabilities, that many feel they have been abandoned to a life on benefits that has prevented them from working, even if they want to try.
“Labour is removing the fear of whether trying work will result in an immediate benefits loss, allowing over 16,500 sick and disabled people in our city to 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.”
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.
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.
