New DWP rules will see disabled people and those with long-term health conditions encouraged to try work without the immediate risk of losing their benefits, as part of new legislation.
The measures, brought forward by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), are designed to remove what ministers say is one of the biggest barriers preventing people from entering employment.
The changes are due to come into force later this month.
What the new law changes
Under the new rules, starting a job will no longer automatically trigger a reassessment of benefits for some claimants.
This applies to people receiving:
- Employment and Support Allowance
- Personal Independence Payment
- The health element of Universal Credit
Claimants will also be able to volunteer without fear of reassessment, a move aimed at helping people build confidence and move gradually towards work.
Why the change is being made
Government figures suggest more than a third of disabled people who want to work feel unable to do so because they fear losing financial support.
There are currently around 2.8 million people out of work due to long-term sickness in the UK.
Ministers say the reforms are intended to provide reassurance that trying a job will not immediately put benefits at risk.
Sir Stephen Timms, minister for social security and disability, said removing that fear is “vital” both for individuals and for the wider economy.
The legislation forms part of a wider package of welfare reforms aimed at increasing employment.
The government says it will invest £3.5 billion in tailored employment support by the end of the decade, alongside programmes designed to help people find and stay in work.
Charities have broadly welcomed the changes, saying they could help rebuild trust in the benefits system.
Mental Health UK said fear of reassessment has long been a major barrier for people considering a return to work.
Mind said the reforms could help people build confidence and skills, particularly with the inclusion of volunteering as a stepping stone into employment.
Meanwhile, Mencap said protecting benefits during the transition into work is “particularly important” for people with learning disabilities.
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Part of wider welfare reform
The changes come alongside other adjustments to the benefits system, including reforms to the health-related element of Universal Credit.
Ministers say these are intended to reduce long-term dependency on welfare while encouraging more people into work.
However, the success of the latest measures may depend on whether they address long-standing concerns among claimants about financial risk and stability.
For many, the question will be whether the new “right to try” work provides enough confidence to take that first step.
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