Bradford, Doncaster, Hull, and York are amongst a dozen areas where a pilot scheme will explore barriers to work for disabled people and people with health conditions.
The plan is part of the next generation of welfare reforms being introduced by the Department for Work and Pensions.
The government is taking long-term decisions to reform the welfare system so it better supports disabled people and people with long-term conditions into work, growing the economy and changing lives.
The announcement marks the next step in this agenda, with thousands more out of work benefit claimants set to receive additional support to chart a path back to work with an employment and health practitioner.
Under the new initiative, the claimants and health practitioners develop a ‘work ability plan’ over a one-hour conversation, identifying barriers to employment and actions and support to overcome them. The plan is then shared with their work coach to continue support to overcome their barriers and move them towards work.
Government says it will mean health claimants can highlight and begin to overcome any work barriers before a Work Capability Assessment, potentially realising a job outcome sooner.
Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Mel Stride MP said: “We are pushing ahead with the next generation of welfare reforms to ensure benefit claimants get as much support as soon as possible to move towards work and the more prosperous life that brings.
“This pilot is an important part of that, helping people understand what they need to do to move towards employment through a simple and effective conversation. The findings will help us build the new disability benefits system once the Work Capability Assessment is removed later this decade.”
