The test which assesses whether disabled or sick people are fit to work is “farcical”, a charity has said.
The Work Capability Assessment “defies belief”, Parkinson’s UK said after figures showed 45% of people with four progressive diseases were told that they will recover enough to look for work in the future after taking the test.
Between 2008 and 2011, 13,600 people with cystic fibrosis, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s or rheumatoid arthritis applied for Employment Support Allowance (ESA), figures show.
But 45% of those were deemed able to recover from their condition to the point where they can look for work, according to research from Parkinson’s UK, the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, the MS Society and the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society.
The charities called for ministers to rethink the “hugely flawed” system.
The assessments are carried out by Atos Healthcare on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
Caroline Hacker, head of policy at Parkinson’s UK, said: “This is the latest in a long line of unspeakable failures by Atos Healthcare and the Government when it comes to supporting those who need it most.”
