Following on from government reforms to the welfare system, the Incapacity Benefit will carry on with the government’s aim to reduce the number of people on incapacity benefit who are able to work, while still providing for those unable to do so.

As part of the Department for Work and Pensions’ five-year strategy published in 2005, the Bill aims to replace the existing system for incapacity benefit for new claimants, which will build on the principle of rights and responsibilities.

The Bill will introduce measures which will facilitate either a return to employment or long-term support for those genuinely unable to work at all.

For incapacity claimants who are able to work, the Bill will provide support and help so that conditions can be managed and claimants are able to enter the workforce.

The Bill also assures financial security for claimants suffering from conditions severe enough that they would find it difficult to return to work.