The DWP have released the latest quarterly statistics for the work capability assessment (WCA) for employment and support allowance (ESA) and for universal credit (UC)
The format and details for the statistics vary between the benefits, but perhaps the most important figures are the percentage being found to have limited capability for work-related activity (LCWRA) or limited capability for work (LCW) on initial assessment:
For ESA, 67% were placed in the support group (LCWRA), 14% were placed in the work-related activity (LCW) group and 19% were found fit for work.
For UC, 64% were found to have LCWRA and 16% LCW, leaving 20% fit for work.
ESA statistics in detail
In the latest quarter to June 2024, there were 36,000 completed ESA WCAs, a 4% decrease from the previous quarter to March 2024.
Of the total number of ESA WCAs completed in the quarter to June 2024, 57% were initial WCAs (21,000) and 43% were repeats (16,000).
In the quarter to June 2024, the percentage of DWP decisions for initial WCAs falling into each outcome category was:
67% of outcomes for Support Group, up from 66% in quarter ending March 2024
14% of outcomes were for Work Related Activity Group, similar to last quarter ending March 2024
19% of outcomes were found Fit for Work, down from 20% in quarter ending March 2024
You can read the full ESA WCA statistics here
UC statistics in detail
At September 2024, 32% of people on UC were on UC Health – up 2 percentage points from September 2023
In the quarter to August 2024,
- 25% of UC WCA decisions were repeat decisions
- 75% were Initial UC WCA decisions.
Of the repeat decisions, 63% were LCWRA and 27% were LCW.
For initial decisions in the quarter to August 2024, 64% were LCWRA and 16% LCW.
Of all WCA decisions in the period January 2022 to August 2024:
- at least 69% are recorded as having mental and behavioural disorders although this may not be their primary medical condition. The proportion recorded as having mental and behavioural disorders is lower (53%) for claimants found capable for work, and higher for claimants found to have limited capability for work (90%)
- 47% are recorded with diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue. This proportion is higher (59%) for claimants found capable for work.
You can read the full UC WCA statistics here
