Work Capability Assessment

Thursday 12th July 2012 Written Statements

[The Minister of State, Department for Work and Pensions (Chris Grayling)]

Later today the Government will publish a call for evidence as part of Professor Malcolm Harrington’s third independent review of the work capability assessment (WCA).

Professor Harrington’s first two reviews were published in November 2010 and November 2011. His overall view was that the principle of the WCA was sound but the processes that supported the system were not working as well as they could. The Department have made a number of changes to the WCA process as a result of the recommendations made by Professor Harrington in his reviews. These were noted in his 2011 review when he said:

“The WCA has, in my view, noticeably changed for the better”.

The call for evidence is one of several methods Professor Harrington is using to gather information to support the review and inform its final recommendations. He is particularly interested in views and evidence about any changes that claimants have experienced since the introduction of the first year’s recommendations.

The call for evidence runs until 7 September 2012.

Professor Harrington will make his final recommendations to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions by the end of the year.

I will place a copy of the call for evidence in the Libraries of both Houses it will also be available on the Department’s website later today.