Work Capability Assessment: An Update

In our monthly newsletter circulated last Friday (16 February), we highlighted that Disability Equality Scotland members had given their views on the United Kingdom (UK) Government’s proposed changes to the Work Capability Assessment (WCA). You were clear disabled people strongly opposed these proposals. We were also clear too that we would use what you had told us to oppose these plans and outline the true impact of these on disabled people.

We are therefore delighted to be able to update members that Disability Equality Scotland has been invited to attend and present at a meeting arranged in Westminster, London, on Monday 19 February, concerning Social Security changes – and in particular the Work Capability Assessment.

This is as a direct result of our collective work surrounding the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) consultation in late 2023, of the Work Capability Assessment (WCA), and our continuing work with Inclusion Scotland and other charity partners in bringing this to the attention of politicians across the political spectrum.

The meeting will be co-chaired by John McDonnell MP and will include contributions from the DWP, the Public and Commercial Services (PCS) Union, Disability Wales; the Unite Union; Disabled People Against Cuts (DPAC), in addition to Disability Equality Scotland.

Disability Equality Scotland will continue to amplify the voices of disabled people in critical policy dialogues – such as the Work Capability Assessment. To those members that contributed to the circulated consultation, “thank you” and we will be taking your views and presenting them to those that are responsible for making decisions.