Labour plans to overhaul routes into work for sick or long-term unemployed

Jonathan Ashworth calls lack of support for disabled people a ‘scandal’ and says party would change assessments regime

A Labour government would overhaul routes into work for sick or long-term unemployed people, including a guarantee that those who move into work will not have to face gruelling benefit re-assessments.

The shadow work and pensions secretary, Jonathan Ashworth, said it was “frankly a scandal” that just one in 10 of out-of-work disabled people or older workers were receiving any support.

Devolving employment support to local authorities to target the best routes into work.

Tailored extra support for flexible working for those with caring responsibilities or chronic conditions.

Offers of “in principle” decisions for access-to-work funding for disabled people.

Change the work capability assessment regime to allow people to accept a job without the fear they cannot return to the benefits they were on.