Scope reacts to National Audit Office's report on DWP's Work Programme
25 January 2012
Richard Hawkes, Chief Executive of disability charity Scope, comments on the implications for disabled people:
“Just last week we heard that unemployment had risen once again.
“We now hear that the Government over-estimated just how many people would find work through its flagship welfare to work programme.
“Many disabled people who have claimed out of work benefits previously need specialist support to help them find a job, yet they are not being offered it.
“The state of the job market means that unless disabled people get this tailored support, they have little to no chance of actually getting a job and moving off benefits.
“The Government must ensure that its Work Capability Assessment ensures people get the right level of financial support they need and that staff across Job Centre Plus have the right information, experience and confidence to direct disabled people to the support available.
“Unless the Government makes these changes urgently it risks condemning many disabled people to an extremely bleak future.”
ENDS
Notes to the Editor:
For more information please contact the Scope press office on 020 7619 7200.
UK unemployment rose by 118,000 to reach 2.69 million, according to the Office for National Statistics.
The National Audit Office published research showing that DWP and providers have been over-optimistic about the numbers of people who will be supported back into work.
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