DWP steps up move to get disabled people and long-term sick working

An investigation spearheaded by ex-John Lewis chief, Sir Charlie Mayfield, has been set in motion to explore how the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) can collaborate with businesses to integrate disabled individuals and those with long-term illnesses into the workforce. The 'Keep Britain Working Review', announced last November, aims to address what's been termed as "spiralling levels of inactivity".

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has previously voiced that claimants of long-term sickness benefits should be encouraged to seek employment if they're capable. In response, the UK Government has pledged its support to assist these individuals in finding work, with an eye on reducing the tally of sickness benefit recipients.

The comprehensive review is expected to wrap up by Autumn, but a preliminary phase, which involves Sir Charlie engaging with companies and health and disability groups nationwide, is anticipated to conclude by Spring. This coincides with the forecasted announcement of major overhauls to health and disability benefits.

The DWP has indicated that Sir Charlie's discussions will focus on understanding the breadth, trends, challenges, and prospects for employers in hiring and maintaining staff who are ill or disabled. His counsel to the UK Government is slated for release later in the year.

Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall has sounded the alarm on the rising costs of benefits for sickness and disability, predicting an increase "by £26 billion by the end of this Parliament". This statement came ahead of her announcement outlining intentions to reform the welfare system prior to Christmas, reports the Daily Record.

The escalation in long-term sickness contributing to joblessness since the pandemic