The UK government’s approach to disability benefits has sparked fresh controversy as new figures suggest that up to 200,000 claimants could be ready to return to work if provided with the right support. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has pointed to these findings as evidence that the benefits system is “broken”, while charities and campaigners warn that planned cuts could push thousands of disabled people into financial hardship.
Reports suggest that ministers are considering slashing at least £3 billion from the benefits bill as part of upcoming welfare reforms, with a new disability green paper expected in the spring. These changes could mean 424,000 fewer people will be assessed as having limited capability for work by 2028/29, significantly reducing the number of claimants eligible for disability-related support.
While the government argues that reform is necessary to tackle rising welfare costs, disability advocates caution that a tougher stance on benefits will not address the systemic barriers preventing disabled people from entering and sustaining employment. With trust in the DWP at an “all-time low,” many claimants fear that changes to the system could lead to unfair assessments, increased financial insecurity, and pressure to take on unsuitable jobs.
Government Plans to Cut Disability Benefits Spark Concern
The latest government survey found that 32% of claimants receiving health and disability benefits believe they could return to work now or in the future. Within this group, 5%—equating to approximately 200,000 people—stated that they would be ready to work immediately if the right job or support were available.
For Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall, these findings highlight serious flaws in the existing benefits system. “People claiming health and disability benefits have been classed by the system as ‘can’t work’ and shut out of jobs when they’ve been crying out for support,” she said. Kendall argues that reforming the system would not only help claimants find work but also address labour shortages and boost the economy.
However, disability rights organisations argue that cutting benefits is not the solution. James Taylor, director of strategy at disability equality charity Scope, acknowledged that improving employment support is valuable but warned against balancing the budget at the expense of disabled people. “Getting people the support they need is good, but it is imperative that the government focuses its efforts on how to achieve this, instead of cutting the welfare budget.”
Disabled People Fear Being Forced Into Unsuitable Jobs
While the government promotes its job support initiatives, disability advocates warn that many claimants fear being pressured into unsuitable work. According to Evan John, Policy Advisor at the national disability charity Sense, government research itself found that three-quarters of disability benefit claimants worry about being forced into jobs that could worsen their conditions.
This fear stems from previous welfare reforms, where many claimants were declared fit for work despite having serious health conditions. Campaigners have called for stronger safeguards to ensure that disabled people are not forced into work simply to meet DWP targets.
Beyond employment concerns, claimants have also highlighted long-standing issues with accessing support from the DWP. A recent report found that disability benefit claimants wait, on average, 10 times longer for their calls to be answered than other claimants. These delays, combined with complex benefit assessment processes, have led many to lose confidence in the system.
Is the Government Addressing the Root Issues?
Mental health charities have also weighed in on the debate, warning that young people and those with mental health conditions face additional challenges when seeking employment. Minesh Patel, Associate Director of Policy and Influencing at Mind, stressed the need for tailored and voluntary support rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
“We know there are many people, including younger people, with mental health problems who would like to work but don’t have the right support available,” Patel said. “Tailored, voluntary, and holistic support is most effective in helping people with mental health problems enter and stay in work, and this must be at the heart of any future reforms.”
Campaigners argue that without meaningful investment in mental health services, forcing people into work will not address the root causes of unemployment among disabled people. Merry Cross, a member of Disabled People Against Cuts, pointed out that mental health funding has been severely cut in recent years, leaving many struggling to access the support they need.
“Which age group within society is most likely to experience mental distress? Teenagers, of course—the group that this and the last government most complain about for being out of work,” she said. “Yet funding for mental health services has been savaged over recent years, with a report by the Children’s Commissioner in March 2024 stating that almost a quarter of a million children who had been referred for treatment in 2023 were still waiting.”
What Comes Next for Disability Benefits?
As the government prepares to unveil its disability green paper, pressure is mounting on ministers to ensure that reforms prioritise support over sanctions. Disability campaigners have urged policymakers to work with disabled people to design a system that empowers claimants rather than punishing them.
The debate over disability benefits highlights broader tensions between welfare reform and social justice. While the government insists that changes are necessary to reduce spending and increase employment, many disabled people fear that they will be the ones paying the price.
With £3 billion in cuts on the table and plans to reduce the number of people classed as unfit for work, the future of disability benefits in the UK remains uncertain. Whether the government will deliver meaningful employment support or simply tighten eligibility criteria will be revealed in the coming months as the welfare reform agenda takes shape.
