The Trade Union Congress (TUC) has urged the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to implement five urgent changes to Personal Independence Payment (PIP), covering assessments and payments. The TUC welcomes the Labour government's review of PIP, calling it "a step in the right direction and a chance for genuine reform that helps disabled people move into and stay in work."
Background of the Timms Review
The Timms Review, led by Cabinet minister Sir Stephen Timms, is exploring PIP changes to control the rising welfare bill. The TUC insists that the DWP must consider five key reforms.
The Five Proposed Changes
- Assessment process reform: Move away from one-off snapshot assessments to capture fluctuation, fatigue, and recovery time, making the process more accessible and less burdensome.
- Improve assessor expertise: Ensure assessors have relevant medical knowledge or training, and give appropriate weight to medical evidence in decision-making.
- Improve first decision accuracy: Reduce reliance on appeals, as too many people only receive PIP after challenging a refusal at tribunal.
- Ensure PIP payment levels reflect true costs: Account for the additional costs of disability and working, such as travel, energy, and support.
- Reduce unnecessary reassessments: Limit repeat assessments for conditions unlikely to improve.
TUC General Secretary's Statement
TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak said: "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. Only genuine reform of PIP will ensure that disabled people who can work receive the support they need to move into and stay in work. But this must come alongside wider action, such as ensuring disabled workers get reasonable adjustments, stronger rights at work, and reform of the Access to Work scheme."
