The UK Government has unveiled its Health and Disability White Paper, entitled “Transforming Future Support,” which aims to implement “landmark reforms” to the benefits system. The paper outlines ambitious reforms to help more disabled people and those with health conditions to secure and maintain employment and have a better experience of the benefits system.

The proposed changes include the removal of the Work Capability Assessment (WCA), which will be replaced by a single health and disability assessment, the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) assessment. The aim is to shift the focus from what individuals cannot do to what they can.

Changing support

Furthermore, the current Universal Credit (UC) Limited Capability for Work and Work Related Activity (LCWRA) financial top-up will be replaced by a new UC health element, which will be awarded to those receiving the UC standard allowance and any PIP element. The new UC health element will be set at the same rate as the current award received by people in the LCWRA group, ensuring a safety net for the most vulnerable.

The government is also increasing investment in employment support for disabled people and those with health conditions, including extending the Work and Health Programme to September 2024 and launching a new In-Work Progression Offer to help people on UC increase their earnings and move into better-paid jobs.

The proposed reforms aim to ensure that people can access the right support at the right time and have a better overall experience when applying for and receiving health and disability benefits. This includes testing new initiatives to make it easier to apply for and receive health and disability benefits, such as the Enhanced Support Service and Severe Disability Group.

Employment support

Other proposed reforms include increasing access to employment support, integrating health and employment provision, investing in testing ways to boost Occupational Health coverage, and embedding tailored employment support within mental health and MSK services in England.

The reforms require primary legislation, which will be introduced in the next Parliament, and will be rolled out on a staged, geographical basis from no earlier than 2026/2027. The new claims roll-out will be completed within three years (by 2029 at the earliest), before moving UC’s existing claimants onto the new system.

The measures put forth by the government undoubtedly strive to maintain or lure individuals into the workforce. However, it is imperative for the government to acknowledge that poor health can impede or render regular employment infeasible. Additionally, those currently engaged in caretaking responsibilities or who have already retired may have opted out of the workforce voluntarily, rather than encountering hindrances to working.