Reform UK has published its manifesto today.  It has less than half a page of text on benefits, under the heading “The Benefits System is Broken” and featuring a slogan of “In Britain, if you can work, you must work.”

On PIP and the WCA, Reform says: 

Face to Face, Not Remote Assessments for Benefits

Personal Independence Payment and Work Capability Assessment should be face to face. We will require independent medical assessments to prove eligibility for payments. Those registered with severe disabilities or serious long-term illnesses would be exempt from regular checks.

When benefits and work carried out a poll of readers two years ago on what sort of PIP assessment they would prefer, the results were:

  • Paper 59% 
  • Phone 20%
  • Face-to-face 20%
  • Video 1%

So this is a move that would be unpopular with the majority of Benefits and Work readers

The remainder of the text is devoted to raising the starting point for tax to £20,000 a year and an aim “Motivate up to 2 million People Back to Work”.

Reform say that:

“Reforms to benefit support and training will help people back into work. Particular focus on 16-34 year olds. Employment is critical to improving mental health. Tax relief for businesses that undertake apprenticeships.”

The manifesto goes on to warn that:

“All job seekers and those fit to work must find employment within 4 months or accept a job after 2 offers. Otherwise, benefits are withdrawn.”

You can download a copy of Reform UK’s manifesto from this link.

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  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 4 days ago
    This needs to be done 
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 5 days ago
    So those of us that have lung disease and other issues that effect are bodies are screwed or have to face further appointments and these appointments are face to face when I can't get about or leave my home so what happens then? The only people that need to be looked at and removed and put onto uc only are those in their teens and early 20s with only mental health issues I've had depression self harm and anxiety and always worked I've always said if your body is pain free and not full with medications your able to work but these types of people also need the broken nhs service to be fixed they need extra support and good therapy as part of the package they would even benefit from less then 20hrs of work to get use to things while receiving treatment to get better 

    The rest of us with life long health issues that are in pain daily on multiple numbers of medications that have somthing physically wrong with us should be left alone as most of us that are able to drive do work part time and some of us spend are pip money on busses or ring and rides to get to and from work without these funds we simply can't do this 

    We have provided proof of medications we have provided an extensive explanation for why we can't work full time and we have given over hospital and g.p records you can't fake these things you can't con pip and you do not get excepted onto this form of payment easily it's extremely hard most of us have had to go to court to win the right to be on these payments and most of us need that extra money for electricity to store are medications or use are breathing machines or charge are scooters more people on uc and other benefits are the main issues there's a large number on uc that are single no kids no responsibility no job especially the men they should be working the woman are different in that you tell me what job covers all the outgoings then covers the cost for schooling then additional costs for child care after school? The main issue is that company's that higher people don't want woman with children they don't want someone with daily mirgan attacks chucking up in their office and falling over or going blind trust me I've been there I've had jobs turn me down or sack me for my migrain attacks I've had further push back due to my lung disease and foot issues I wasn't allowed to bring my oxegon on to the premises I wasn't allowed to bring my nebulizer in and other medications and they told me I wasn't safe enough to be working for them and that their insurance wouldn't cover me or them so where does that leave people like me? Thus country is just evil we have poor homeless people that can't even have a safe warm tent without the council chucking their homes in the bin and police telling them to get out of sight and mind its sick now we are starting on the sick not only do employers not want these people and are not insured to have these people we are now telling the working class to treat cancer and lung disease patients with disrespect and push us to one side like rats apparently no ones good enough to have the basic things humans need to in order to live unless your working apparently you lot are better then everyone else I guess a predator is better as long as his working and paying taxes 
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    · 5 days ago
    So what happens if they can't find work after 4 months? Do they just starve to death?
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 2 days ago
      @Alex No Alex, they take one of the 2 job offers instead.
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 10 days ago
    The manifesto is poor, no proper information with regards to disabled people, I even tried asking on X and via email what their stance is, no response.
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 13 days ago
    How many people go to all the bother of applying for jobs then turn them down? 
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 2 days ago
      @SpasticusAutisticus Its normally a condition of receiving Job seeking benefits that you actually look for work and apply for jobs .  I would have thought that was self explanatory.
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 10 months ago
    Easy to say us with disabilities to work, but we're no longer in the 90s when they had to employ so many people with disabilities. These days we are nothing to them. Plus healthy workers are losing jobs due to self service 
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    · 10 months ago
    Outside of the glossy manifesto, THIS is what Farage has to say on the welfare state (and take note that he doesn't even attempt to concede that there is anyone in any kind of genuine need):

    “Welfarism, I’m afraid, is making millions of people lazy. ‘I’m too fat, I’m too stupid, I’m too lazy, I don’t want to get out of bed in the morning. I smoke drugs, give me money’ … That’s what we’re saying. ‘I don’t need to work, the state will provide for me’ … We cannot afford it.”

    Vote Reform at your LITERAL peril.




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      · 2 days ago
      @wibblum If you don't belong in one of the categories contained in Farage's quote then you have nothing to worry about.
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 10 months ago
      @wibblum It's no surprise to see Farage saying that sort of thing. Unfortunately he's constantly given a platform by a compliant media, and not just the likes of GBeebies, but also the BBC.  What is disturbing is how many people see him with his prop pint and are wiling to believe that a privately educated ex-banker and former member of the Tory party who cheerleads for Trump is really a champion of working class people.
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 10 months ago
    Reform are the Tories on steroids. Distill all the most extreme and toxic elements of the Tories into concentrated form and what you get is Farage and his ilk. Just look at this:

    “All job seekers and those fit to work must find employment within 4 months or accept a job after 2 offers. Otherwise, benefits are withdrawn.”

    So those who don't find a job within four months will have their benefit stopped and presumably be left to starve. But remember, Farage is a down to earth bloke who represents ordinary people!
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 10 months ago
    That policy is actually less severe than the Tories.  Although I wouldnt put it past Reform to play with the descriptors in addition to what they have announced, but its better than the Tories plans to practically scrap PIP and get rid of LCWRA.
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 11 days ago
      @Kerry Mental health is curable, neurodivergency is not. Simply learn and use the correct terms.
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 4 months ago
      @CC Ref LCWRA Tories plan which labour going ahead with claiments with secondary non GP evidence will only be considered for LCWRA and exemption from regular assessments 
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 4 months ago
      @Joe Ref anxiety and depression vouchers instead.
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 10 months ago
      @Joe Yes especially mental health they want use vouchers for talking therapy as hunt rishi keir said mental health is curable I'm bipolar split personality attachment disorder ptsd and add diabetic arthritis hole heart I have therapy how's talking going pay the bills there all corrupted take of the rich 
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      · 10 months ago
      @CC Am I reading right. Tories plan to get rid of PIP
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 10 months ago
    I cannot believe people on here are supporting Reform!

    The slogan is enough to tell you what they plan for us “If you can work, you must work”, followed by “We will require independent medical assessments”, ATOS, anyone? 

    A vote for Reform is a vote to further demonise us, further punish us for having the temerity to be disabled, to force us into work, else have our benefits stopped. They’re even worse than the Tories!
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 6 days ago
      @shirleyp I agree labour are awful so is reform, never thought I would say the tories are not as bad 
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 10 months ago
      @shirleyp I also can’t believe people are wanting to vote for Reform he will make so many problems with his VP policies and this country will end up like the torries have made it now. We will all be on the streets and in workhouses !!! GIF forbid he gets in 
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 10 months ago
    The true Nasty Party.  I have seen Reform posters up around where I live, probably posted by those fed up with the Tories and wanting to stop immigration: that's how ignorant people think. I wouldn't vote for this lot if they offered the Moon. Dangerous and divisive.
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 10 months ago
    It's a weak point of Reform UK people on welfare won't vote for that and it's a big problem half the country is on benefits alot of people just are not confident in working because depression or just the pressure of having a job or really can't find work, the solution is monthly training courses fund provided in driving hospitality security retail and labor with a job on a probation period with them still getting benefits until it's over, that should get more people in work but that isn't happening, there isn't enough skill centres apprenticeships or courses, zero hour jobs don't have enough work or pay enough, licencing costs are too much and you might not pass like your CSCS SIA HGV Theory I think all exams and tests should be cut down to just 20 questions less word salad and basic with 10 years on your licence, men that can't see there children get demolished by child maintenance so won't work when it should be a choice and agreement, You just can't walking into a job like you use to, if you want more people to work and come off benefits things need to change and make it easier for people to get work just taking people off benefits if they fail to get work is not a good idea.
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 10 months ago
    With reforms main thing being immigration Plus they are at the starting blocks  As far as having MPs  are concerned The fact their manifesto is a little light on this subject is no surprise With little chance of gaining enough seats to win the election They do not need to say to much As their seats will be won by other things within their manifesto But any MPs they do get could influence any decisions made by the government
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 2 months ago
      @Clare Their manifesto was "a little light" on everything! 
      Their leader (sorry, owner) is hardly an inexperienced politition, having been an MEP for 21 years (1999 - 2020). He's also a master at playing the electorate for fools - claiming during "campaigning" for Brexit that he supported our fishing industry (remember that stunt in the Thames?), yet, had been on the EU Fisheries Committee Jul 1999 - May 2004, with zero attendances! Now, he's trying to make our farmers believe he's on their side (over inheritance tax reforms), but donning a tweed cap, "country" jacket and green wellies! 
      Just remember, Mr Farage has a nice EU pension, topped up by his membership of the EU Fisheries committee, and now by his stint as an MP (again, topped up by the fact he's their Leader... having ousted the previous leader, rather unceremoniously during the election last year! 
      Do not believe that this man cares one iota about the British people, or, indeed anyone but himself. 
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 10 months ago
    'Employment is critical to improving mental health'!!! What if a person's mental illness was caused by toxic work conditions?
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 2 months ago
      @Piggymitch Absolutely.
      My depression was long-standing (I've had depression since about 15yoa, now 62), but that, plus anxiety was made dramatically worse by my employer, after having worked for them, without issue for over 12 yrs. 
      I don't want to go over it again, as it still causes flashbacks and massive anxiety, but they made my life hell for 6 months before forcing me out with a NDA.
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 4 months ago
      @Piggymitch To a point yes  however in some severe cases work auctually makes it worse
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 10 months ago
      @Anon Thank you for your response Mr Farage.
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 10 months ago
      @Piggymitch Change jobs?
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 10 months ago
    There is only one thing you need to know about Reform. They are climate change deniers who don't care at all about the most serious issue facing the planet. If you are planning to live for more than a decade or two, worrying about the precise level of benefits will become insignificant.
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 10 months ago
    Reform should do well,  imo as they can grasp the fundamental thing wrong with uk.Too many people for what is ultimately a little island and it's resources are being overwhelmed. 

    Many of the younger generations will see through the false promises of today's 2 party system. Their looking at a future for themselves and how the hell their be able to get a social rented home before they reach 50. 
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 10 months ago
      @Fred lol. They won’t even come in third place. 😂
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 10 months ago
      @Fred Well said Fred. 
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 10 months ago
      @Fred
      Look at all the promises of Brexit.

      Can't run a country on rhetoric.

      Many immigrants work and pay higher taxes than many Brits do when they are eventually allowed to.

      The number – the difference between the number of people arriving in the UK and leaving – was 685,000 in the year to December 2023, says the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

      It would be even less if the government invested in training our people up.
      What's happening now with the new points system is people brought in on high wages and decent jobs. Not training our people means they're given more minimum-wage jobs. Now EU can't come, those jobs need covering.

      Reform has said nothing about clearing the backlog of asylum claims - it is this which is costing the most in terms of accommodation and £50 a week (could you live on that).

      The numbers are minimal on boats—less than 100k. Their applications should be processed promptly.

      So you are spending £bns of pounds on 'token nastiness' - Keep those billions, and clear the backlog = save money

      £bns spent on Rwanda already  - all very well sending a few hundred people at a further cost of £150k for each migrant. We will still be paying accommodation/support cash, plus the flights/contracts. PLUS part of the agreement is to bring over their most vulnerable asylum seekers here with the promise of automatic resettlement - like those with diabetes or other health problems in need of NHS, and sickness benefits. Sending healthy working-age men seems daft as they could work.

      The Bibi barge costs more than hotels. 

      Token schemes to buy your votes 'solving' these apparent 'crises' by pandering to your joy over:
      a) asylum seekers arriving irregularly suffering.
      b) turn your obsession and abuse towards other minority populations. While you hate them, you let the government get away with worse and no accountability.
      c) 

      Resources are not being overwhelmed because of population numbers - the government hides behind blaming others - the govt has been irresponsible and shirked its duties. Look at the costs govt can claim for 2nd homes... if they have three children living with them, they get £15k per year in child expenses. £2,000 per month rent. Bills covered (so not affected by fuel rises), so on, and so on.




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    · 10 months ago
    I really hope folk consider Reform after 150 years of Conservative or Labour or coalition with Lib Dem. We could use some strong re-think about various aspects in the way the country is run. Too many years of complacency by the others have led to this mess. If given a chance with more seats I think  they might be of benefit to those in need of help. 
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 10 months ago
      @Dare The only ones Reform are interested in helping are themselves.
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 10 months ago
    Let's just hope Reform UK have had more time to write they're "contract" before 2029... This one isn't really fit for purpose & is the biggest disappointment of the lot
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 2 months ago
      @ArchiesMum01 They had the same amount of time as all other parties. 
      Whilst I didn't get to read the Monster Raving Loony Party's manifesto, I would take a bet that it contained more substance that the Reform "contract" did. 
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    · 10 months ago
    All done in a rush, with little or no time to think things through and do proper due diligence. Of course, they won't win, but as the general population's mood turns against Conservatives and Labour, and any potential from the other key players is limited, we cannot afford to totally dismiss Reform.  I, for one, hope they get taken more seriously over time.  You never know. They just might become a viable option to the current thieves, liars, robbers and con artists that we have to put up with.
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 10 months ago
    Worse than the Tories. Why would anyone believe them after the famous NHS lie on the bus?
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 10 months ago
      @Julia According to various news sources there are Reform Party bots loose all over the internet. 

      Either that or Farage is in danger of getting the biggest single case of Writer's Cramp in recorded history.
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 10 months ago
      @DH I don't think a lot of the people here recently are genuine benefit claimants. Too many of the comments read like party political broadcasts. Many desperate or plain ignorant people are falling for their sham of a 'party' but I believe that those of us who are clued up are wise to their tricks. Anyone here who is using this forum as a way to promote their party at the expense of vulnerable people should hang their heads in shame.
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 10 months ago
      @Julia I am reading these comments and I am SOOOO troubled by the praise Reform are receiving here by Benefits and Work users. Are they being brainwashed? Do they not realise that they might be even more hardline against benefits than the Tories? Not only political parties are losing the plot, so are many people here.
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