The consultation runs until 30th October 2023. The proposals, should they be adopted, would come into place in 2025 – after the next general election.
The consultation states that as working practices have changed in recent years, including more remote working and other flexibilities, more people, including disabled people, could benefit from this. These changes in working practices are the government’s rationale for proposed changes to the WCA activities and descriptors, particularly those to do with Mobilising, Continence, Getting About, Social Engagement, and Substantial Risk.
The proposed changes would make it more likely that people will be assessed as able to prepare for work. The changes would also make it more likely that people will be subject to work-related conditions. The changes would only apply to new claimants, or those being reassessed.
Headway will be responding in full to the consultation, and we very much hope that you will too.
Colin Morris, Director of Communications at Headway, the brain injury association said
“Brain injury survivors, deserve to be treated with dignity and respect, and to have their needs fully understood both by the government and organisations that undertake WCA assessments.
“Delivering greater and more tailored work-related support would be welcomed by many brain injury survivors who want to re-enter the workforce.
“Though we need to ensure that brain injury survivors are not being forced down a route that is inappropriate due to a lack of understanding of brain injury and the often-hidden nature of the disabilities it can cause.
“Forcing people to undertake inappropriate work-related activity because of the risk of losing essential financial support would be unacceptable.”
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