I believe we need a welfare system that supports the most vulnerable, and also helps those who can work into suitable employment. That is why the Government wants to increase employment among people who have health challenges but are capable of taking steps back into work. Over the last five years, the number of people with disabilities who are unemployed has already fallen, with 339,000 disabled people moving into work in the last two years.
Some lobbying organisations are not making it clear that at the moment, ‘Work-Related Activity Group’ (WRAG) claimants get higher payments than people on Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) because they may have specific needs depending on what health challenges they face. However, simply paying a higher benefit to individuals may not be the best way to help claimants overcome these additional barriers to work.
The changes announced in the Budget will mean us investing in services tailored towards helping people with disabilities into work, which I feel is desirable wherever possible, both for the individuals and society as a whole.
By Patrick McLoughlin on February 10, 2016