DWP takes step towards forcing disabled and long-term sick back to work
The Department for Work and Pensions has taken steps to forcing disabled people and those who are long-term sick back to work. Former chairman of John Lewis Partnership, Sir Charlie Mayfield, will lead the Keep Britain Working Review.
The review will investigate the factors behind spiralling levels of inactivity, and how government and businesses can work together to turn this around, to get Britain working again and see Sir Charlie meet with businesses. Sir Charlie Mayfield, who was also Chair of the British Retail Consortium and Chair of the UK Commission for Employment and Skills, said: "Losing people from the workforce because of ill-health or disability is bad for many of the individuals, for the businesses employing them, and for the wider economy.
"It’s a growing problem for us all and it’s one that’s more likely to be resolved by business and government working together. I’m looking forward to engaging closely with businesses, government departments and the many organisations committed to improving our performance here.
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"The review, which will identify measures to help ill and disabled people get into work and stay in work, comes ahead of significant reforms to health and disability benefits expected in the Spring." DWP Work and Pensions Secretary, Liz Kendall MP, said: "Millions of people have been left without support to get into work and on at work, and completely held back from reaching their potential for far too long, and the record-high cost of long-term sickness benefits is evidence of that fact.
"That’s why I am pleased to have Sir Charlie leading this review, bringing a wealth of experience and helping us to get people into work, and most importantly keep them in work, so we can boost living standards and get our economy growing." Business and Trade Secretary, Rt Hon Jonathan Reynolds, said: "It isn’t right that too many businesses are missing out on the people they need, while those who want to work can’t because of long-term sickness.
"Solving this problem is one of the greatest challenges facing the labour market, with years of poor support blocking those with great talent from helping drive our economy forward. The government is on the side of working people and is unashamedly pro-business. That’s why this review will be critical in getting businesses the people they need to unlock their full potential."
Rain Newton-Smith, CEO of the CBI, said: "Lower rates of employment for people with long-term health conditions or disabilities is a tragic waste of potential that holds back economic growth and impacts on well-being. It denies people the opportunity to improve their personal financial security through work and prevents businesses from using their valuable skills and experience to grow the economy.
"Sir Charlie’s review is a welcome opportunity for business and government to co-design solutions that have a real impact"