As more recipients are assessed under stricter Work Capacity Assessments (rather than the old Employment and Support Allowance tests), the Department for Work and Pensions expects three-quarters of the 2 million recipients to found ‘fit for work’.
Research conducted by Group Risk Development (GRD)—the trade organisation for the group risk industry—suggests that 38% of employers are ill-prepared to accommodate these changes, with almost one in five (18%) citing obstacles to bringing people back into the workplace and only 8% will accommodate a return to work for those whose Incapacity Benefit is withdrawn.
Katharine Moxham, spokesperson for GRD, said: "Viewed as part of the framework of Welfare Reform, the review of those on Incapacity Benefit is an important step towards creating a system that fosters greater personal responsibility and more positive behaviours among employees.
"But effecting a change of this magnitude will have major implications for both those directly affected and their potential new employers."
