In response to figures released by the Department of Work and Pensions on the known number of deaths while claiming incapacity benefits, Labour leadership candidate Jeremy Corbyn said:
“It is clear that the work capability assessment has failed to adequately assess support needs, and has caused immense distress and suffering for thousands of disabled claimants.
“I voted against the legislation* that introduced the WCA and have campaigned alongside disabled people’s organisations to scrap it ever since. The assessment process needs to be completely rebuilt in partnership with disabled people and health professionals.”
* Welfare Reform Act 2007
The figures, published under freedom of information laws, show that more than 2,500 sick and disabled benefit claimants have died after being found ‘fit for work’ in just two years.
