Employers worried about benefits review, poll finds

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.

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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