Bid to change name of Incapacity Benefit supported by Unum
The Work and Pensions Select Committee has set forth some key recommendations in its Employment for All: Interim Report, to help revolutionise the way disabled and incapacitated people are treated in society. Leading income protection provider Unum- Provident has voiced its support for the paper for which it presented formal evidence.
One of the fundamental changes called for in the report is the move to change the name of Incapacity Benefit to a term evoking more positive connotations to help dispel the myth that many disabled people are unable to work.
While UnumProvident has proposed the term 'capacity benefit', the Committee does not make any suggestion on the possible change in definition, but highlights the need for modification.
'One of the key problems appears to be the definition of incapacity itself,' the report said. 'Labelling someone as incapable of work sends out a very strong message to the claimant and to potential employers. With so many Incapacity Benefit claimants themselves saying they would like to work, the incapacity label is misleading and unhelpful.'
The report also called for greater interaction between Jobcentre Plus and employers to ensure the retention and rehabilitation of employees. 'We believe that more support should be available to prevent disabled people from dropping out of the labour force,' it said.
An integral part of the paper is the support offered by the Committee for the Disability Alliance's proposal of a 'back-to-work' diary. Jobcentre Plus would administer the diary with the aim of illustrating to the individual and their employer the financial aspects of moving into work. UnumProvident also supported this proposal.
Discussing the findings, Joanne Hindle, corporate services director at Unum- Provident, hoped the paper would lead to changes in society's attitudes towards disabled and incapacitated people. 'We are very pleased that our input into the Committee's deliberations have led to a number of key recommendations that will ultimately lead to a much fairer and positive society and a better deal for disabled people throughout the UK,' she said.
