DWP scraps ESA benefit retests for the chronically ill

Under the current Employment and Support (ESA) benefit rules, all claimants are reassessed every six months for their suitability to return to work. Damien Green, the work and pensions secretary said that ESA will now continue automatically for those who have lifelong, severe health conditions with no improvement likely. This practice came under fire from major charities who argued that this was unnecessary and stressful for seriously ill and disabled individuals who would never be able to return to work. Speaking on BBC Radio 4's Today programme, Green said: "I believe in a wel...