Welfare reform

Managing financial pressures while also meeting the needs of an older population will be the NHS' biggest challenge over the next decade, its leaders have said.

The NHS confederation are "deeply concerned" about the distress today's industrial action will cause patients.

The NHS Confederation head has been calling for NHS public backing when it comes to long-term healthcare reform at today's annual conference.

The NHS confederation at a seminar series on reform has dubbed the changes "the biggest efficiency and productivity challenge in its history".

Young people will receive in-work benefits under the Universal Credit reform, the minister for welfare reform has said.

GPs have voted to end work capability assessment.

The Scottish BMA is concerned UK welfare reform legislation will lead to poorer health in Scotland.

Thousands on sickness benefits have been found fit to work and will receive no further support under welfare system reforms.

Royal assent has been given to the Legal Aid: Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act (LASPO) 2012, which removes legal aid from a series of welfare issues.

The government's controversial welfare reforms have received Royal Ascent and so been adopted into law.