Employment Minister Chris Grayling (pictured) announced he changes yesterday, which could further improve the system's fairness and effectiveness. They are outlined in the second independent review by Professor Malcolm Harrington.
Grayling pledged to accept Harrington's recommendations and to further consult on how best to support people with cancer.
The second Harrington Review has made recommendations, which have been reached after consultation with health and disability groups, including introducing checks on benefit decisions to ensure fairness and consistency; working with disability groups to help develop guidance for Atos healthcare professionals and decision makers; improved support and communications for people who move onto Jobseeker's Allowance to make sure they get the help they need and; regularly publishing data on performance and quality to improve the transparency of the face-to-face assessment
Harrington said: "My first review found that the WCA is the right concept, but that each part of the process was not working as well as it could or should. Since my last review the process has started giving people a more tailored and personal service.
"This year I have worked alongside some key health and disability organisations to make further recommendations to improve the system, especially for people with mental health and fluctuating conditions.
"I am confident that the changes being implemented are already making a real difference to people and will continue to do so."
Grayling added: "It is in everyone's interest to get the system right. We want the assessment to be as fair and consistent as possible. This is the first step on a journey back to work for many people and we want it to be positive.
"The system is far better than it was two years ago but there are still improvements and refinements we can make.
"We are committed to helping thousands of people move from benefits and back into work. Those who are found fit for work will get the help and support they need to get a job. Those found too sick or disabled to work won't be expected to and will continue to receive the help and support they need."
The WCA is used to assess the two million people who have been claiming incapacity benefit. The benefit closed to new claimants in 2008, meaning that everyone receiving it has done so for over two years with 900,000 having been on the benefit for more than a decade.
Currently DWP is contacting 11,000 claimants per week to ask them for a reassessment.
