4 out of 5 applicants for new sickness benefit in UK are 'fit to work'
London: Tests have revealed that 78 pc of Brits who applied for a new sick benefit were fit to work. About 824,000 have put in for Employment and Support
Allowance since it came in two years ago. Official figures have showed that almost
four in five were either trying it on or withdrew their claim before it was processed.
"These figures underline how important it is that we make sure everyone who has
the potential to work gets the right help to move off benefits," the Sun quoted
Employment Minister Chris Grayling as saying. "This is not about pushing the sick
into jobs but giving those that can work the help to do so and those that can't
more, not less, support," Grayling added. The Government has started a scheme
to retest all 2.1million people on Incapacity Benefit. Piloted in Burnley and
Aberdeen, it rolls out nationwide next year with a target of testing 10,000 a
week. A staggering 9.1billion pounds a year is paid in sickness benefits.
