DWP to contact all sickness benefit claimants in 'new plan' to get them back to work

DWP to contact all sickness benefit claimants in 'new plan' to get them back to work View Image

For the first time, Jobcentre Plus staff are to regularly contact claimants of sickness benefits as part of a strategy to reduce the welfare bill. This approach will focus on two million individuals who are currently not required to seek employment or prepare for future work.

A significant number of claimants suffering from mental health issues, back pain, and other ailments, who receive benefits without any conditions, will now be offered skills training and assistance in preparing for work. According to The Times, ministers have directed job centres to focus on what they describe as a "shocking" rise in long-term sickness absence.

Sickness has now surpassed unemployment as the primary rea