DP just got a link to this from an M.E support group.
Information about it
Amendments
?The shock plans, for ?simplifying? the work capability assessment for employment and support allowance (ESA) include docking points from amputees who can lift and carry with their stumps. Claimants with speech problems who can write a sign saying, for example, ?The office is on fire!? will score no points for speech and deaf claimants who can read the sign will lose all their points for hearing.
?Meanwhile, for ?health and safety reasons? all points scored for problems with bending and kneeling are to be abolished and claimants who have difficulty walking can be assessed using imaginary wheelchairs.
?Claimants who have difficulty standing for any length of time will, under the plans, also have to show they have equal difficulty sitting, and vice versa, in order to score any points. And no matter how bad their problems with standing and sitting, they will not score enough points to be awarded ESA.
?In addition, almost half of the 41 mental health descriptors for which points can be scored are being removed from the new ?simpler? test, greatly reducing the chances of being found incapable of work due to such things as poor memory, confusion, depression and anxiety.
?There are some improvements to the test under the plans, including exemptions for people likely to be starting chemotherapy and more mental health grounds for being admitted to the support group. But the changes are overwhelmingly about pushing tens of thousands more people onto JSA.?
(In combination with reducing HB if you are on JSA long term - which most disabled people will be - that's going to be great isn't it?)
They are asking for people to write to [email protected] to talk about the proposed changes by Sept 10th.
Or to write to [email protected] about your experience of the work capability assessment.
Mind are also getting involved
As always this government are focused on looking after the vulnerable in society 