UK Government Unveils 'Right to Try' Plan to Aid Disabled Jobseekers
The UK government has launched a new initiative aimed at assisting disabled individuals in exploring employment opportunities without the immediate threat of losing their benefits. However, disability campaigners have raised concerns that the policy falls short in addressing the broader challenges faced by disabled people in the workforce.
Legislative Changes to Benefit Reassessments
Legislation presented to parliament on Thursday will eliminate the automatic benefit reassessment for disabled people who begin work or volunteering. This change addresses a significant barrier that has previously deterred many from attempting to gain employment due to fears of losing financial support.
Sir Stephen Timms, the minister for social security and disability, emphasized the government's intent to reassure individuals. "We are doing this as a reassurance to people, to allay their fears, because it has come through really clearly that people would like to work but the fear of losing benefits is holding them back," he stated. The policy also extends to volunteering, recognized as a critical step towards re-entering the workforce.
Campaigner Response and Criticisms
While disability charities have welcomed the move as a positive step, they caution that it does not fully tackle the systemic issues hindering disabled employment. James Taylor, a director at Scope, noted that the policy "could remove a real barrier for disabled people who want to take up work," but highlighted ongoing challenges such as inaccessible workplaces, inflexible job structures, and negative employer attitudes.
Taylor urged the government to invest in personalized employment support and avoid further benefit cuts, which he argued could exacerbate poverty among disabled individuals. Research from Timewise, a flexible working nonprofit, underscores the urgency, revealing that only 2.5% of those economically inactive due to long-term sickness or disability return to work annually, with over half of these jobs lasting fewer than four months.
Concerns Over Universal Credit Changes
The announcement coincides with controversial reductions to the health element of universal credit, which is being halved and frozen for new claimants unless stricter criteria are met. Mikey Erhardt of Disability Rights UK warned that this cut could further strain disabled people financially, describing it as part of a pattern where social security is used as a threat rather than a safety net.
Erhardt expressed disappointment, stating, "For too long, successive governments have seen social security not as a safety net designed to support people in times of need, but as a threat they can use to push disabled people into the job market." He called for more robust assurances that the 'right to try' policy would not force individuals to reapply for benefits if their employment attempts fail.
Future Implications and Calls for Action
The 'right to try' policy, set to take effect at the end of the month, applies to claimants of employment and support allowance, personal independence payment, and the universal credit health element. Campaigners stress that while the policy addresses one barrier, comprehensive efforts are needed to create inclusive workplaces and provide adequate support for disabled jobseekers.
As the government moves forward, the focus remains on balancing benefit reforms with tangible improvements in employment opportunities and workplace accessibility for disabled individuals across the UK.
