Welfare reform

The government seems likely to be forced into a u-turn over its decision to cut the mobility component of disability living allowance (DLA).

Better communication throughout the Employment Support Allowance (ESA) system and an audit of decision makers' rulings have been recommended by an independent review.

The sickness absence review is expected to call for a government funded panel to judge people's ability to work, taking the responsibility away from doctors.

The Work and Pensions Secretary has vowed that employment and support allowance (ESA) claimants appealing their ineligibility decision will not have their benefit payments stopped.

The number of women claiming sickness benefits is rising much faster than for men according to analysis of Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) statistics by Legal & General.

Fewer appeals against Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) decisions are being found in the claimants favour, according to government statistics.

Fewer claimants are being found eligible for Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) despite government claims that the benefits system is providing greater protection for disabled people.

Cancer patients already severely struggling with financial difficulties because of their illness could be hit with "catastrophic" effects if welfare reform proceeds, MacMillan Cancer Support has warned.

More than half of SME employers fear the cost impact of the government's health and welfare reforms, according to Jelf Group.

Disability charities are horrified at government plans to cut employment and support allowance (ESA) during appeals.