Government Announces New Welfare Reforms and Work Capability Assessment Changes
Disabled people and those with health conditions who are currently being held back from improving their lives through work will be better supported to realise their potential, under bold new government plans unveiled today.
As part of the government’s core mission to support more people into work, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has launched an essential consultation on comprehensive changes to the Work Capability Assessment (WCA). This follows the landmark Health and Disability White Paper published earlier this year.
What the New Welfare Reforms Mean
- These vital changes represent the next major step in national welfare reform, carefully reflecting the rise of flexible and home working, alongside significantly better employer support for disabled people and people with long-term health conditions.
- The changes also reflect a critical statistical reality: one in five of those currently with “no work preparation requirements” have stated they would actually like to work at some point in the future, provided they receive the right tailored support.
The consultation launched today will critically consider these changes to the Work Capability Assessment, bringing forward proposals to ensure the system is genuinely delivering the right outcomes for supporting those most in need. Specifically, the consultation will look at updating the WCA categories so they better reflect the modern world of work and the inclusive opportunities now more readily available to disabled people.
For more details, you can read the full official DWP press release here.
BASE’s Response and Call to Action
BASE will be formally responding to this consultation. We are incredibly keen to hear our members’ direct views on the consultation proposals to ensure our collective voice reflects the realities of frontline supported employment.
Please note that the public consultation officially closes at 11:59 PM on 30th October 2023.
