ESA claimants increasingly found fit for work

People being assessed for their ability to work are overwhelmingly being found fit and able to look for a job, according to new figures out today.

The latest statistics for Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) applications show that three-quarters of applicants are being found fit for work or are stopping their claim before their assessment period has been completed.

Chris Grayling, Minister for Employment, said: "The vast majority of people who are applying for these benefits are being found fit for work or have stopped their claim.

"These are people who under the old system would have been abandoned on incapacity benefits. It's a clear indication of why reform is so urgently needed. This is exactly why we are going to reassess everyone claiming incapacity benefits for their ability to work, from this October.

"They will now be given the support they need to get back to work and will be expected to look for work if they are able to do so."

For new ESA claims from October 2008 to November 2009, the breakdown is:

• Support Group - 6%
• Work Related Activity Group - 14%
• Fit for Work - 39%
• Claim closed before assessment complete - 37%
• Assessment still in progress - 4%

Approximately 32% of those 39% found fit for work between October 2008 and June 2009 have subsequently appealed the decision.

From that group an average of 40% have their appeal upheld, with 60% being told they are fit for work, although not all of those appeals have been heard due to the length of the process.

As reported by COVER, the ESA has previously been labelled as 'cruel' and attacked for incorrectly targetting those who should be exempt.

It has also been suggested that advisers should be informing clients about the new benefit reforms.