The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has been urged to reform the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) system to better support disabled individuals in maintaining employment. This call comes as the DWP, together with the Labour Party government, oversees the Timms Review, which is examining PIP and welfare reform.
Recent research from the Trades Union Congress (TUC) reveals that the unemployment rate among disabled people stands at 8.8%, the highest level since before the Covid-19 pandemic, compared with 4.3% for non-disabled individuals. This disparity underscores the urgent need for reform.
Labour cabinet minister Sir Stephen Timms emphasized that disabled people are central to the review, which was established following the withdrawal of proposed PIP restrictions after opposition in the House of Commons.
TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak highlighted the government’s opportunity to facilitate greater employment for disabled people through this review. He explained, “Disabled people face disproportionate levels of unemployment, low wages, and insecure jobs, all while navigating a social security system that is currently inadequate.”
Nowak stressed that meaningful PIP reform is essential so that disabled people capable of working receive the support necessary to enter and stay in the workforce. However, he also emphasized that reforms need to be part of broader measures, including ensuring disabled workers receive reasonable workplace adjustments, bolstering employment rights, and overhauling the access to work scheme. “Only with this comprehensive approach can we create a system that truly supports disabled workers,” he said.
Conversely, Linda Burnip, co-founder of Disabled People Against Cuts, expressed skepticism about PIP reforms alone improving disabled employment rates. She advocated for two specific changes: enhancing the efficiency of the Access to Work programme and restoring funding cuts for Motability vehicles, both of which could significantly aid disabled claimants.
Responding, a DWP spokesperson noted ongoing legal changes allowing disabled people to try work without fear of losing benefits through reassessment. Additionally, the department is investing £3.5 billion in tailored employment support for those who are sick or disabled, aiming to help everyone achieve greater independence.
The spokesperson reaffirmed that the Timms Review’s goal is to ensure that PIP remains “fit and fair for the future,” reflecting a commitment to effective reform.