Nearly 50,000 sick and disabled people have been hit by Tory cuts to ESA in the last year alone

Labour is calling on the Government to immediately reverse key social security payments to people with disabilities after new analysis has shown that nearly 50,000 people have been hit by cuts to Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) in the last year alone.

Labour analysis of Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) data found that there are 46,000 sick and disabled people in the Work-Related Activity Group (WRAG) of ESA whose claim is under a year old. Each of these claimants will have had their benefits cut as a result of government cuts of £30 per week first introduced in April 2017 for new claimants.

The analysis also shows that 29,000 of those affected – around two thirds – are suffering from mental and behavioural disorders. In total, around half a million sick and disabled people will be affected when the cut fully takes effect. 

Today, International Day of Disabled People (3 December), Labour’s Shadow Minister for Disabled People, Marsha de Cordova MP, is calling on the Government to reverse the cut.

Commenting, Labour’s Shadow Minister for Disabled People, Marsha de Cordova MP, said:

“The Tories’ relentless attacks on disabled people are appalling.

“This cruel cut is yet another example of the hostile environment the Government has created for disabled people.

“On the UN International Day of Disabled People, the Tories should do the right thing and reverse this pernicious cut.” 

Ends

Notes to editors

• On 3 April 2017, the Tories cut support for sick and disabled people in the Work-Related Activity Group for all new claims.

“From 3 April 2017, new Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) claimants who are placed into the work-related activity group (WRAG) following a Work Capability Assessment (WCA) will not get the work-related activity component.”

DWP, Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) changes from 3 April 2017, 20 November 2017,

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/employment-and-support-allowance-changes-from-3-april-2017/employment-and-support-allowance-esa-changes-from-3-april-2017

• Labour analysis of DWP statistics, using DWP StatXplore, shows over 46,000 sick and disabled people in the Work-Related Activity Group have a claim that is under a year old. 
•  Labour’s 2017 manifesto pledged to increase Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) by £30 per week for those in the work-related activity group.

Labour Party Manifesto,

https://labour.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/labour-manifesto-2017.pdf