WIREDGOV

Commenting on Professor Harrington's review of the fairness and effectiveness of work capability assessments (WCAs) published this week, TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said:

'The full acceptance of Professor Harrington's review on improving WCAs by the government is a very positive move.

'While the devil will be in the detail when it comes to implementing the recommendations, particularly at a time of sharp spending cuts across the Jobcentre Plus network, the approach that the government has taken is welcome.

'We support giving more power to Jobcentre Plus staff to help them make the right decision on WCAs, and making the process more compassionate and easier to understand for those going through assessments.

'We welcome the increased focus on the transparency of the WCAs, and it is good to see the extra provision for the particular difficulties in assessing mental health conditions by ensuring Atos - the company who conduct the WCAs on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions - employs mental health champions.

'It is encouraging that the government has accepted the recommendation that research is undertaken to understand whether the assessments could and should incorporate more work-focused elements, considering the real-world chances that disabled people have of actually moving into work.

'However, the government still needs to do more to challenge disabled people's employment chances more widely. Employer discrimination remains widespread and much needs to be done to tackle ongoing labour market inequalities.'

NOTES TO EDITORS:

- The TUC has several case studies who have been through the WCA process. Please call Elly Gibson on 020 7467 1337 for more information.

- For more information about the Professor Harrington review please visit:
http://www.dwp.gov.uk/policy/welfare-reform/employment-and-support/wca-independent-review/

- All TUC press releases can be found at www.tuc.org.uk

- Register for the TUC's press extranet: a service exclusive to journalists wanting to access pre-embargo releases and reports from the TUC.
Visit www.tuc.org.uk/pressextranet

Contacts:

Media enquiries:
Liz Chinchen T: 020 7467 1248 M: 07778 158175 E: media@tuc.org.uk
Rob Holdsworth T: 020 7467 1372 M: 07717 531150 E: rholdsworth@tuc.org.uk
Elly Gibson T: 020 7467 1337 M: 07900 910624 E: egibson@tuc.org.uk