The demeaning ‘fitness for work’ work test for disabled people should be scrapped, the PCS says following publication of an independent review.
The work capability assessment is not designed to support people into employment, but to cut their benefit entitlement, the union says.
Last week the appeal court upheld a ruling that the tests discriminate against claimants with mental health problems, learning disabilities and autism.
The government has failed to implement all the recommendations in the first three independent reviews into the WCA.
The fact that this fourth review, published yesterday, contains 37 recommendations – including some basic things such as allowing claimants to see what is being written about them – shows how flawed the test is.
The union’s view – shared by the TUC, the British Medical Association, a range of disabled people’s organisations and more than 120 MPs – is that the assessments are not fit for purpose and should be scrapped.
There is mounting anecdotal evidence showing people are being found “fit for work” so denied employment support allowance and put onto jobseeker’s allowance. They are then denied that because they are not able to start work or meet the conditionality requirements of JSA.
Sanctions for disabled people claiming ESA have increased by 156% in the last year.
PCS general secretary Mark Serwotka said: “No one joined the employment service to administer a system designed to harass people and take benefits away.
“Our members want to support people into work and claim the benefits to which they are entitled. But, consistent with the government’s approach to social security, these tests are not designed to help people and they should be scrapped.”
Union News
