The Department for Work and Pensions has been called upon to introduce two specific changes to Personal Independence Payment to better support disabled individuals in maintaining employment. This demand comes as the DWP and the Labour government continue the Timms Review, which focuses on PIP and broader welfare reform.
Current Unemployment Statistics
TUC research reveals that the unemployment rate for disabled people currently stands at 8.8 percent, the highest level since before the Covid-19 pandemic. In contrast, the rate for non-disabled individuals is only 4.3 percent. These figures underscore the urgent need for reform.
Government Response
Labour cabinet minister Sir Stephen Timms has emphasized that disabled people are at the center of the review, which was announced last year after proposed restrictions to PIP were dropped following a Commons rebellion. A DWP spokesperson stated: "We’re changing the law so disabled people can try work without fear of reassessment and we are investing £3.5 billion to provide tailored employment support for sick or disabled people so everyone can get on in life." The Timms review aims to "make sure PIP is fit and fair for the future."
TUC Recommendations
TUC general secretary Paul Nowak highlighted the opportunity the review presents: "The government has a vital opportunity to support more disabled people into work through the Timms review. Right now, disabled people are bearing the brunt of unemployment, low pay and insecure work, all while navigating a social security system that is not fit for purpose." He stressed that genuine reform of PIP is essential to provide the necessary support for disabled individuals to enter and remain in employment. However, he added that this must be accompanied by broader actions, including ensuring reasonable adjustments at work, stronger workplace rights, and reform of the Access to Work scheme.
Activist Perspective
Linda Burnip, co-founder of Disabled People Against Cuts, expressed skepticism about the potential impact of PIP reform alone. She warned: "There’s no way reforming PIP is going to increase the employment rate of disabled people." Instead, she called for two specific changes: a more efficient Access to Work programme and the reversal of cuts to funding for Mobility vehicles. These measures, she argued, would be more effective in helping disabled people secure and retain jobs.
