Third of reassessed IB claimants found fit for work

A third of incapacity benefit (IB) recipients being reassessed for Employment and Support Allowance are being found too sick to work at all, according to government statistics.

Figures for those placed into the support group are far higher than for new claimants and this is mirrored by those being placed in the work related activity group.

The data is the first released by the Department for Work and Pensions since the reassessments in Aberdeen and Burnley began.

In total 1347 decisions have been made with 422 (31.3%) receiving unconditional support in the support group, with 526 (39%) being expected to look for work with help.

The remaining 399 (29.6%) were found fit for work outright and are expected to be placed on Job Seekers Allowance to find work.

This figure is similar to that for new applicants (36%), but only 6% of new claimants are placed in the support group and 16% in the work related activity group.

The reassessment program is a significant part of the government's welfare reform program and will eventually see 1.5 million people re-evaluated.

If the trend continues it could result in 450,000 people being removed from the ESA welfare bill.

ESA replaced incapacity benefit in October 2008.