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Fit to work controversy
Statistics released by the Government (26 July) claim that only 7% of people qualify for Employment Support Allowance (ESA) because they are completely unable to work.
It has been reported in some parts of the media that 75% of sickness benefits claimants are “faking” or are indeed “fit for work” - which has distressed many people genuinely trying to claim benefits to which they are entitled.
However, these figures do not give the full story, as more than a third of completed claims for ESA do result in people accepted for the benefit. An incredible 40% of people successfully overturned incorrect decisions that they are ‘fit to work’ at appeal. Because of this, there has been criticism – in the media and in parliament - of the company that the government has commissioned to carry out the ‘fit to work’ assessments.
This is an issue which affects many people with epilepsy, particularly those whose seizures make it impossible for them to work, and Epilepsy Society has been contacted by people concerned about the actual assessment and worried about how to fill in the form.
People with epilepsy complain that the system is too rigid and often the explanations and questions asked do not fit into the many variables that people with this condition have.
Other issues involve the unpredictability of seizures and how this can affect day to day life.
Epilepsy Society’s confidential helpline 01494 601400 is available for anyone with concerns about the ESA. Alternatively Dial UK on 1303 2310123, www.dialuk.info and www.citizensadvice.org.uk can help with filling out the forms.
Epilepsy Society Helpline Manager Christine Brock says:
’If your claim has been turned down and you know you have a good case, we would encourage you to seek support and to appeal. Four out of 10 appeals are currently successful.
‘It is important to spell out very clearly the impact that epilepsy and seizures have on your life and how it makes it difficult to work – issues such as sleeplessness and the associated fatigue, memory problems, difficulty in concentrating, injury, mood problems, and never knowing when you will have seizures or not.
‘People with epilepsy do not always feel comfortable focusing on the things that they “can’t do” and quite rightly prefer to focus on what they can do. But for this process it is necessary to emphasise the difficulties involved if their claim is to be successful. The individual risks associated with epilepsy may not be obvious to the assessor who may not have knowledge of the complexities of the condition.’
You can find out more about epilepsy and employment on our website.
