New measures to combat "sick note Britain" announced

The Government has announced a new medical test for claimants of incapacity benefits to be introduced in October 2008. The new “work capability assessment” replaces the existing “personal capability assessment” and assesses what a person can do rather than what they can’t do.

The current test focuses on a person’s physical disability and is based around assessing an individual’s incapability for work. The new test brought into being by the Welfare Reform Act 2007 and described by Work and Pensions Secretary Peter Hain as “more robust, accurate and fairer” aims to end “sick-note Britain” and is expected to get 20,000 people a year off sickness benefits and into work.

For new claimants only, a new employment and support allowance will replace incapacity benefit and income support on the grounds of incapacity for work or disability. Those wishing to claim the new allowance will have to undergo a “work capability assessment” which is used to assess what an individual is capable of, and what help they need to manage their condition and return to work. Individuals with health conditions caused by an accident or personal injury will be given support and employment advice to enable them to return to work where possible.

Under the new test, points will no longer be accrued simply because a person is unable to walk more than 440 metres, for example. Instead, the new test will look at skills such as a person’s ability to use a keyboard or a mouse, because this type of task is likely to be needed in the workplace.

It has to be said that many genuine individuals who claim benefits have been injured in other circumstances. For example anyone injured in an accident at work may be able to claim compensation from their employer.

Work and Pensions Secretary Peter Hain commenting on the introduction of the new test said “Currently, there are many people sitting at home in the belief that they are unemployable, with no life choices or long-term prospects because they do not think their illness or medical condition can be catered for in the workplace. This is just not the case – many people with such conditions are perfectly able to take up successful careers, if the right support is in place.”