DWP could stop providing free prescriptions for some benefit claimants under new rules

The government could stop providing free prescriptions and legal aid to benefit claimants who are 'fit to work' but are not seeking employment. The new rules, announced by the chancellor and Work and Pensions secretary, will also see job fair and interview attendance tracked using digital tools.

The changes are part of the government's £2.5 billion plan to help up to 1,100,000 people find and keep jobs. This includes those with long-term health conditions, disabilities, and the long-term unemployed.

The government plans to increase support for people with health conditions to stay in and find work and aim to increase the number of people receiving NHS talking therapy by 384,000 over the next five years.

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Plans to add another 100,000 people to Individual Placement and Support (IPS) - a scheme that helps those with severe mental illness get into paid employment quickly and continues to support them once they're working.

Help will also be offered through Universal Support in England and Wales, the Government said, by matching 100,000 people per year with existing vacancies and supporting them in their new roles.

The government say the reforms mean that no claimant should reach 18 months on unemployment in receipt of their full benefits if they have not taken “every reasonable step to comply with Jobcentre support”.

Reform of the “fit note” system – whereby doctors issue records to provide evidence of the advice they have given about people’s fitness to work – will also be explored under the plans.

Work and Pensions