Debbie Abrahams, the shadow work and pensions secretary, has said today that Labour would scrap the work capability assessment (WCA). In a speech to the Labour Party Conference Abrahams said they would replace the WCA with “a system based on personalised, holistic support”.{jcomments on}
Abrahams told the conference:
“The Labour Party has already pledged to get rid of the discriminatory and unfair Bedroom Tax. But I want to go further. I want to scrap the discredited Work Capability Assessment and replace it with a system based on personalised, holistic support, one that provides each individual with a tailored plan, building on their strengths and addressing barriers, whether skills, health, care, transport, or housing-related. This Government’s punitive sanctions system must go too, so Job Centre Plus and employment support providers’ performance will not just be assessed on how many people they get off their books.
“I want to see disabled people better supported into and at work. We will halve the Disability Employment Gap – and when we say it we mean it. And we will tackle other labour market inequalities too. I believe in a fair and just Britain, where everyone can get on and no-one is left behind.”
You can read the full speech here.
