![Pinterest](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://uknews.evprotec.com/rise-in-work-from-home-should-help-people-on-disability-benefits-top-tory-says/&media=https://uknews.evprotec.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/4_Cabinet-Meeting-in-Downing-Street-London-UK-05-Sep-2023.jpg&description=Charities have raised concerns over Tory welfare chief Mel Stride's planned shake-up of work capability assessments. They warn it could 'force people into work when they are not well' Tory welfare chief Mel Stride has claimed more people entitled to sick and disability benefits should be able to get jobs because of the rise in home working. It came as the Cabinet minister proposed a shake-up of the benefits system in an attempt to slash the number of people with no requirement to search for work. He said the Government will consult on changing work capability assessments - a test that determines whether people are fit to work and the support they receive. The Work and Pensions Secretary told MPs: "We have seen a huge shift in the world of work in the last few years, a huge change accelerated since the pandemic. This has opened up opportunities for disabled people and those with health conditions to start, stay and to succeed at work". He added: "The Work Capability Assessment doesn't reflect how someone with a disability or health condition might be able to work from home, yet we know many disabled people do just that. "Our plans include taking account of the fact that people with mobility problems or who suffer anxiety within the workplace have better access to employment opportunities from the rise in flexible and home working." He added the changes would not affect those at the end of their life, or with severe learning difficulties or disabilities. But the Cabinet minister admitted the proposed changes to disability and sickness benefits will not come into force until 2025 - or after the next general election. Charities also raised concerns that changes could force people into work when they are not well enough. James Taylor, executive director of strategy at disability equality charity Scope, urged ministers to ensure new employment support for disabled people is "flexible, and voluntary". He said: "We're worried these proposals will end up forcing huge numbers){kind=link}
Charities have raised concerns over Tory welfare chief Mel Stride’s planned shake-up of work capability assessments. They warn it could ‘force people into work when they are not well’
Tory welfare chief Mel Stride has claimed more people entitled to sick and disability benefits should be able to get jobs because of the rise in home working.
It came as the Cabinet minister proposed a shake-up of the benefits system in an attempt to slash the number of people with no requirement to search for work. He said the Government will consult on changing work capability assessments – a test that determines whether people are fit to work and the support they receive.
The Work and Pensions Secretary told MPs: “We have seen a huge shift in the world of work in the last few years, a huge change accelerated since the pandemic. This has opened up opportunities for disabled people and those with health conditions to start, stay and to succeed at work”.
He added: “The Work Capability Assessment doesn’t reflect how someone with a disability or health condition might be able to work from home, yet we know many disabled people do just that.