New research has revealed that many British employers are concerned about the government's impending changes to incapacity benefit and the impact it will have on the country's businesses.
According to a survey conducted by Group Risk Development (GRD), 38 per cent of organisations feel insufficiently prepared to adapt to the overhaul, while just under one-fifth believe significant obstacles remain to getting people back into work.
"The review of those on incapacity benefit is an important step towards creating a system that fosters greater personal responsibility," said GRD's Katharine Moxham. "But effecting a change of this magnitude will have major implications."
Around three-quarters of the two million people currently applying for assistance under the new work capacity assessments – brought in to replace the employment and support allowance – are expected to be declared fit for work.
Last month, the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development welcomed Professor Malcolm Harrington's government-commissioned review, stressing the importance of a multi-faceted approach to helping long-term claimants find jobs.
Posted by Ross George
