London Daily

Focus on the big picture.
Monday, Jul 07, 2025

UK Work and Pensions Secretary Addresses Disability Benefits and Work Aspirations

UK Work and Pensions Secretary Addresses Disability Benefits and Work Aspirations

Liz Kendall highlights challenges faced by health and disability benefits recipients in returning to work amidst ongoing health concerns.
Liz Kendall, the UK's Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, has remarked that while some beneficiaries of sickness and disability payments may misuse the system, a substantial number of individuals genuinely desire to return to work.

Her comments were made following the release of a report by the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP), which revealed that 49% of health and disability benefits recipients believed they would never be able to work again.

The report also noted that 66% of these recipients feared a deterioration in their health in the future.

According to the DWP report, 27% of surveyed individuals felt they might be able to work again if their health improved.

This figure rose significantly, to 44%, among those whose primary health issue was related to mental health.

Kendall emphasized the need to dispel misconceptions, stating in an interview with ITV, "despite all the myths, a lot of people who are currently on sickness or disability benefits want to work." She pointed out that many recipients either recently lost jobs they valued or hope to return to work once their health issues are managed.

When discussing whether beneficiaries are feigning health issues to avoid work, Kendall acknowledged that while some do misuse the system, the majority are sincere in their claims.

She reiterated the importance of addressing the situation, stating, "there are many more people who want to work" and highlighting the negative impact of those who 'take the mickey.'

Former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak had previously addressed the issue by advocating for an end to what he termed the "sick note culture," warning against the over-medicalization of everyday difficulties.

Kendall also commented on the challenges faced by younger demographics, particularly those impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, noting that a day of work should not be perceived as excessively stressful.

She shared an anecdote from a recent visit to a local supermarket, which is collaborating with charities to help young individuals find employment.

During her visit, she observed both the genuine mental health struggles among youths and a lack of understanding by some about the expectations of the workplace.

The DWP report revealed that two in five health and disability benefits recipients were on waiting lists for treatment related to their conditions.

Moreover, 50% of individuals currently out of work indicated that their potential to work was contingent upon receiving treatment.

Kendall affirmed the government's commitment to providing adequate support to these individuals rather than marginalizing them, in contrast to previous administration approaches.

She noted that many individuals might feel incapable of working while awaiting treatment or lacking requisite support from job centers.

The report titled "The Work Aspirations of Health and Disability Claimants" was based on a survey of 3,401 recipients of benefits such as Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), and Universal Credit's Health Journey.
Newsletter

Related Articles

0:00
0:00
Close
U.S. Enacts Sweeping Tax and Spending Legislation Amid Trade Policy Shifts
Football Mourns as Diogo Jota and Brother André Silva Laid to Rest in Portugal
Elon Musk Founds a Party Following a Poll on X: "You Wanted It – You Got It!"
London Stock Exchange Faces Historic Low in Initial Public Offerings
A new online platform has emerged in the United Kingdom, specifically targeting Muslim men seeking virgin brides
Trump Celebrates Independence Day with B-2 Flyover and Signs Controversial Legislation
Boris Johnson Urges Conservatives to Ignore Farage
SNP Ordered to Update Single-Sex Space Guidance Within Days
Starmer Set to Reject Calls for Wealth Taxes
Stolen Century-Old Rolls-Royce Recovered After Hotel Theft
Macron Presses Starmer to Recognise Palestinian State
Labour Delayed Palestine Action Ban Over Riot Concerns
Swinney’s Tax Comments ‘Offensive to Scots’, Say Tories
High Street Retailers to Enforce Bans on Serial Shoplifters
Music Banned by Henry VIII to Be Performed After 500 Years
Steve Coogan Says Working Class Is Being ‘Ethnically Cleansed’
Home Office Admits Uncertainty Over Visa Overstayer Numbers
JD Vance Questions Mandelson Over Reform Party’s Rising Popularity
Macron to Receive Windsor Carriage Ride in Royal Gesture
Labour Accused of ‘Hammering’ Scots During First Year in Power
BBC Head of Music Stood Down Amid Bob Vylan Controversy
Corbyn Eyes Hard-Left Challenge to Starmer’s Leadership
London Tube Trains Suspended After Major Fire Erupts Nearby
Richard Kemp: I Felt Safer in Israel Under Attack Than in the UK
Cyclist Says Police Cited Human Rights Act for Riding No-Handed
China’s Central Bank Consults European Peers on Low-Rate Strategies
AI Raises Alarms Over Long-Term Job Security
Saudi Arabia Maintains Ties with Iran Despite Israel Conflict
Musk Battles to Protect Tesla Amid Trump Policy Threats
Air France-KLM Acquires Majority Stake in Scandinavian Airlines
UK Educators Sound Alarm on Declining Child Literacy
Shein Fined €40 Million in France Over Misleading Discounts
Brazil’s Lula Visits Kirchner During Argentina House Arrest
Trump Scores Legislative Win as House Passes Tax Reform Bill
Keir Starmer Faces Criticism After Rocky First Year in Power
DJI Launches Heavy-Duty Coaxial Quadcopter with 80 kg Lift Capacity
U.S. Senate Approves Major Legislation Dubbed the 'Big Beautiful Bill'
Largest Healthcare Fraud Takedown in U.S. History Announced by DOJ
Poland Implements Border Checks Amid Growing Migration Tensions
Political Dispute Escalates Between Trump and Musk
Emirates Airline Expands Market Share with New $20 Million Campaign
Amazon Reaches Milestone with Deployment of One Millionth Robot
US Senate Votes to Remove AI Regulation Moratorium from Domestic Policy Bill
Yulia Putintseva Calls for Spectator Ejection at Wimbledon Over Safety Concerns
Jury Deliberations in Diddy Trial Yield Partial Verdict in Serious Criminal Charges
House Oversight Committee Subpoenas Former Jill Biden Aide Amid Investigation into Alleged Concealment of President Biden's Cognitive Health
King Charles Plans Significant Role for Prince Harry in Coronation
Two Chinese Nationals Arrested for Espionage Activities Against U.S. Navy
Amazon Reaches Major Automation Milestone with Over One Million Robots
Extreme Heat Wave Sweeps Across Europe, Hitting Record Temperatures
×