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Govet response to report on WCA
Government Response to the House of Commons Work and Pensions Select Committee’s Report on Employment and Support Allowance and Work Capability Assessment, First Report of Session 2014–15:
includes announcement re number of new measures next year ‘designed to improve support for those who can work’, including a trial of the claimant commitment for certain ESA claimants
... see also Dr Paul Litchfield’s fifth and final ‘Independent Review of the Work Capability Assessment’ that was also published today
Dr Litchfield raises some interesting points, particularly regarding the way in which the WCA is perceived by claimants. I certainly agree that for the system to be widely accepted it must be seen to be fair.
With regard to the introduction of a claimant commitment for ESA; just a charter for more jobcentre bullying of claimants!
Yes, given that even simple words such as ‘fair’ have changed meaning over the last few years, words from Ministers such as:
“In specific ESA ‘hotspots’ (areas that need the most help) we will be piloting a more active regime for ESA claimants.”
can only produce a shiverrrrrrrrrrrrrrr….....
this is one of the most worrying of the measures ‘designed to further improve support’ -
“Finally, a measure will be introduced to prevent claimants being paid the ESA assessment rate where they have been found fit for work but make a repeat claim for benefit without having developed a new condition or had a significant worsening of their condition -
‘We would still need to consider the repeat claim but while we are considering it, and pending any appeal against our refusal of that claim, no ESA would be paid although JSA could be claimed. This is due to be introduced next spring and should help ensure that claimants found fit for work claim JSA and remain closer to the labour market, rather than looping around the ESA system. We will evaluate the results of these pilots and consider any changes needed as part of the next spending review.’”
So claimants who are 6 months past the last WCA will no longer be able claim unless they can show new or worsening condition….how exactly does that improve support?....
They will have been “supported” into jobseeking by virtue of being prevented from re-claiming ESA!!!!
Wondered how long it would be before they closed the ‘revolving door’ loophole. I’m surprised it has taken as long as it has actually.
Wondered how long it would be before they closed the ‘revolving door’ loophole. I’m surprised it has taken as long as it has actually.
Yes, it’s going to be interesting to see how they draft the Regs to cover it and how it will be get roundable. Can see fluctuating conditions and long term conditions such as depression and anxiety that vary in their presentation being a particularly difficult area to navigate. I wonder at what point after a period of recovery/remission it will become a new condition again?
I suppose that people may develop tactical approaches to getting around it, not declaring certain conditions, etc., and then springing them on the DWP when it comes to reclaiming and stuff like that.
Our jobs aint gonna get any easier that’s for sure…