Menu
27/08/2013
MS And Parkinson's Sufferers Told They Are Fit To Work
Almost half of people with some progressive conditions, including Parkinson's, who put in a claim for the sickness benefit Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), are being told they will recover enough to look for work in the future.
In an investigation Parkinson's UK conducted with three other charities, it was revealed that 45% of people who put in a claim for ESA, and had Parkinson's, Cystic Fibrosis, multiple sclerosis, or Rheumatoid Arthritis, were placed in the Work Related Activity Group (WRAG).
The WRAG defines people as able to recover to the point where they can look for work.
Today, Parkinson's UK, along with the MS Society, Cystic Fibrosis Trust and National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society, are calling for major changes to the system when presenting a dossier to the independent review of the Work Capability Assessment.
Head of Policy and Service Improvement at Parkinson's UK, Caroline Hacker, said: "A system which tells people who have had to give up work because of a debilitating progressive condition that they'll recover, is farcical and simply defies belief.
"It shows that many assessors, and those who rubber-stamp the decisions in Government, don't apply the most basic understanding of the medical conditions they are dealing with."
(CD/JP)
In an investigation Parkinson's UK conducted with three other charities, it was revealed that 45% of people who put in a claim for ESA, and had Parkinson's, Cystic Fibrosis, multiple sclerosis, or Rheumatoid Arthritis, were placed in the Work Related Activity Group (WRAG).
The WRAG defines people as able to recover to the point where they can look for work.
Today, Parkinson's UK, along with the MS Society, Cystic Fibrosis Trust and National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society, are calling for major changes to the system when presenting a dossier to the independent review of the Work Capability Assessment.
Head of Policy and Service Improvement at Parkinson's UK, Caroline Hacker, said: "A system which tells people who have had to give up work because of a debilitating progressive condition that they'll recover, is farcical and simply defies belief.
"It shows that many assessors, and those who rubber-stamp the decisions in Government, don't apply the most basic understanding of the medical conditions they are dealing with."
(CD/JP)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
17 February 2015
Plans Announced To Make Young People Work For Benefits
The Prime Minister has announced a proposal for 18 to 21-year-olds claiming benefits to do daily work experience. The proposed reform, known as Community Work Programme, would see young people not in work, education or training, required to complete daily work experience, alongside continuing to look for work in order to qualify for benefits.
Plans Announced To Make Young People Work For Benefits
The Prime Minister has announced a proposal for 18 to 21-year-olds claiming benefits to do daily work experience. The proposed reform, known as Community Work Programme, would see young people not in work, education or training, required to complete daily work experience, alongside continuing to look for work in order to qualify for benefits.
24 April 2006
Parkinson's sufferers 'getting worse' in hospitals
Many patients with Parkinson's are having to stay in hospital longer and are getting physically worse because of not getting their medication on time, according to a survey.
Parkinson's sufferers 'getting worse' in hospitals
Many patients with Parkinson's are having to stay in hospital longer and are getting physically worse because of not getting their medication on time, according to a survey.
17 August 2005
Government recommends care home changes
A Government's action plan to improve the quality of care home services has been welcomed as a "positive response" by the OFT. However, consumer group 'Which?' prompted the original OFT inquiry, has criticised the proposed reforms as "vague" and called for more detail to be included.
Government recommends care home changes
A Government's action plan to improve the quality of care home services has been welcomed as a "positive response" by the OFT. However, consumer group 'Which?' prompted the original OFT inquiry, has criticised the proposed reforms as "vague" and called for more detail to be included.
16 September 2013
Billy Connolly Has Cancer Surgery
A spokeswoman for Billy Connolly has confirmed the comedian has undergone surgery for prostate cancer. He has also been diagnosed with Parkinson's and is receiving treatment for the initial stages of the disease.
Billy Connolly Has Cancer Surgery
A spokeswoman for Billy Connolly has confirmed the comedian has undergone surgery for prostate cancer. He has also been diagnosed with Parkinson's and is receiving treatment for the initial stages of the disease.
09 October 2015
UK Construction Output Falls In August
Latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) has revealed a fall in construction output for the month of August. In August 2015, output in the UK's construction industry dropped by 4.3% compared with July 2015. Compared with August 2014, it fell by 1.3%, its first year-on-year fall since May 2013. All new work declined by 3.
UK Construction Output Falls In August
Latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) has revealed a fall in construction output for the month of August. In August 2015, output in the UK's construction industry dropped by 4.3% compared with July 2015. Compared with August 2014, it fell by 1.3%, its first year-on-year fall since May 2013. All new work declined by 3.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
