Jonathan Ashworth responds to IFS research showing the number of new disability benefit claimants has doubled

Jonathan Ashworth, Shadow Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, commenting on IFS research which shows the number of new disability benefit claimants has doubled in a year, said:

“12 years of Tory failure has left the number of people out the labour market due to sickness at a record high, more people on NHS waiting lists, and spiralling backlogs of people waiting for support.

“Ministers can't ignore these findings. The backlog in assessments for disability benefits must be tackled and employment support must be reformed, as Labour has proposed, to offer specialist help to those who want to find work."