People being assessed for their ability to work are overwhelmingly being found fit and able to look for a job.

The latest statistics for Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) applications show that three-quarters of applicants are being found fit for work or are stopping their claim before their assessment period has been completed.

Of those making new ESA claims in the period from October 2008 to November 2009, 39 per cent were deemed to be fit for work and a further 37 per cent of the claims were closed before the assessment was completed.

People making a claim for ESA undergo a Work Capability Assessment which aims at establishing whether they are fit to do some kind of work rather than going onto long-term ill-health benefits.  For new claimants the system has replaced the old Incapacity Benefit system.

Commenting on the figures, Minister for Employment, Chris Grayling said:

“The vast majority of people who are applying for these benefits are being found fit for work or have stopped their claim. These are people who under the old system would have been abandoned on incapacity benefits. It’s a clear indication of why reform is so urgently needed.

“This is exactly why we are going to reassess everyone claiming incapacity benefits for their ability to work, from this October. They will now be given the support they need to get back to work and will be expected to look for work if they are able to do so.”

Responding to widespread criticisms of the Work Capability Assessment, last month the Government commissioned an independent review to ensure the assessments are fair and accurate.