Work Capability Assessments (WCA) for those claiming Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) are to be made ‘fairer' and ‘more effective' following an independent review.
Professor Malcolm Harrington's review agreed with many of the system's critics that it could be ‘impersonal,' ‘mechanistic' and that it ‘lacks transparency.'
The government has said it will adopt all the changes recommended by Prof. Harrington, which included evidence from health and disability groups.
As a result, the assessment will include mental health problems and improved communications and support to those undergoing the WCA.
Prof. Harrington was scathing in some of his comments about the present system, but maintained that it was fixable and a good place to start from.
"I have found that the WCA is not working as well as it should," he said.
"There are clear and consistent criticisms of the whole system and much negativity surrounding the process. There is strong evidence that the system can be impersonal and mechanistic, that the process lacks transparency and that a lack of communication between the various parties involved contributes to poor decision making and a high rate of appeals.
He continued, however: "I do not believe that the system is broken or beyond repair. I am proposing a substantial series of recommendations to improve the fairness and effectiveness of the WCA.
"If adopted, I believe these recommendations can have a positive impact on the process - making it fairer and more effective, changing perceptions so the WCA is seen as a positive first step towards work, and reducing the rate of appeals. I also set out a future programme of work indicating areas that subsequent reviews should examine."
At present just 6% of claimants are placed into the Support Group (for those who cannot work now or in the foreseeable future and need unconditional support) after a WCA, with only a further 15% put into the Work Related Activity Group (for those who cannot work now but with the right help could work in the foreseeable future).
The rest are found fit for work.
Chris Grayling MP, the Employment Minister, responded to the review, saying: "Improving the WCA is central to our commitment to help thousands of people start the journey back to work and the Harrington Review is a crucial step towards this.
"It's in everyone's interest that we get the WCA right and Professor Harrington's recommendations will make the assessment fairer and more effective. The WCA should be seen as a positive first step towards returning to work. Those who are found fit for work will get the help and support they need to get a job.
"Those found too sick or disabled to work won't be expected to and will continue to receive the help and support they need to lead fulfilling lives," he added.
The main recommendations are:
• Dealing with the complexities of cases involving mental health and similar issues by creating a network of "mental health, intellectual and cognitive champions" in each Atos Medical Examination Centre to spread best practice and build understanding of these conditions;
• Strengthening the checks and balances in the system by placing the Jobcentre Plus Decision Maker at the heart of the process;
• Improving communications and the level of support provided to those who undergo a WCA; and
• Ensuring the Atos assessment is transparent by, subject to an initial pilot, recording all assessments.
The outcome is likely to please those groups, including Job Centre staff, who have raised serious concerns about the present system.
