Independent Review of Work Capability Assessment is published

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) commissioned an independent review of the medical assessment which is carried out when a person claims Employment and Support Allowance.

The review was carried out by Professor Malcolm Harrington and the full report, published today, is available for download from the web at: www.dwp.gov.uk/wca-review

The review proposes a substantial series of recommendations to improve the fairness and effectiveness of the Work Capability Assessment. Speaking on the report Professor Harrington said ‘If adopted, I believe these recommendations can have a positive impact on the process – making it fairer and more effective.’

Citizens Advice welcomes many of the recommendations outlined in the review as well as the Government’s commitment to putting these changes in place.

Since ESA was first introduced two years ago, Citizens Advice has been working with the Social Security Agency in relation to aspects of the benefit and published an evidence briefing which identified that a high number of clients were being wrongly found fit for work, due to problems in the assessment process and the way it is applied. Our most recent figures show that enquiries about ESA have increased.

The Professional Healthcare providers who will be carrying out medical assessments will also now be required to provide every client with a summary of the decision on their ability to work. This means that every client will have the chance to challenge the report if they believe that there are mistakes or discrepancies.

Professor Harrington has recommended further research in two key areas; what happens to those people found fit for work and whether the assessment could consider the real life chances of the person in finding suitable employment.