The government has launched a consultation on changes to the work capability assessment which they say is aimed at putting “an end to the binary ‘can work/can’t work’ groups.” One of the aims of the green paper appears to be to oblige many claimants in the support group to undertake work-related activities.
The government’s green paper proposes a number of measures, including:
a review of Statutory Sick Pay and GP fit notes to support workers back into their jobs faster, and for longer;
encouraging Jobcentre Plus work coaches to signpost claimants to therapy;
the launch of a consultation on Work Capability Assessment reform;
encouraging employers to work with their employees with long-term health conditions to stop them from falling out of work;
to extending fit notes from doctors to other healthcare professionals to help ensure people receive more tailored support;
developing large scale trials on how health-led services and support can help get disabled people and those with long-term conditions back into work – with a specific focus on mental health and musculoskeletal conditions;
a wide-ranging debate about recognising the value of work as a health outcome.
05 November 2016
Job Review
