In May this year, figures released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showed that there are now 4.8 million disabled people across the country in employment, an increase of 1.3 million since 2017, delivering on a UK Government goal to see one million more in work by 2027.
Following the release, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) announced a £1.3 billion investment over three years in employment support for disabled people and people with health conditions. Last week, Shadow work and pensions secretary, Jonathan Ashworth, asked the DWP how the money will be spent.
Claire Coutinho, former DWP minister, now with the Department for Education following new Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s Cabinet shake-up, responded that Work Coach support will be increasing across Scotland, England and Wales for people with health conditions receiving Universal Credit or Employment Support Allowance (ESA).
