Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Employment for Disabled People

Monday 13 November 2023 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Research by Versus Arthritis indicates one in five economically inactive people have a musculoskeletal condition causing over 23 million working days lost in 2021.
  • There is a backlog of over 22,432 people waiting for an Access to Work decision, with an average delay of 48 days.
  • The Government is increasing staffing levels for Access to Work from 375 to over 500 full-time staff to address backlogs and streamline processes.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Mary Glindon Lab Newcastle upon Tyne East and Wallsend
Employment Benefits & Welfare
Context

Research by Versus Arthritis indicates that musculoskeletal conditions cause significant economic inactivity, leading to over 23 million working days lost in 2021. One in five economically inactive individuals have MSK conditions.

Question

The research by Versus Arthritis has found that one in five people described as economically inactive have a musculoskeletal condition causing over 23 million working days lost in 2021 alone. Will the Minister ask the Chancellor for additional support in the autumn statement, to help people with arthritis and MSK conditions find and remain in work?

Answer from Tom Pursglove

The Chancellor has emphasised this policy area through previous spending announcements, and initiatives such as Work Well are being consulted upon. The Government recognises that retention is just as important as job starts.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not specifically state whether the Minister will request additional support from the Chancellor

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q2 Mary Glindon Lab Newcastle upon Tyne East and Wallsend
Employment Benefits & Welfare
Context

A backlog of over 22,400 individuals are waiting for an Access to Work decision with an average delay of 48 days.

Question

There is a backlog of over 22,432 people waiting for an Access to Work decision, with an average delay of 48 days. Does this revolution in employment support for health conditions and disabilities include addressing the backlogs?

Answer from Tom Pursglove

The Government is working hard to support more disabled people into work, with a staffing increase for Access to Work from 375 to over 500 full-time staff members. The focus is on prioritising job starts and streamlining processes.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not explicitly commit to addressing the backlog of 22,432 people waiting for Access to Work decisions

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q3 Vicky Foxcroft Lab Lewisham North
Employment Benefits & Welfare
Context

There is a backlog of over 22,400 individuals waiting for an Access to Work decision with an average delay of 48 days.

Question

The Secretary of State mentioned a revolution in employment support for people with health conditions and disabilities. Does this include addressing the backlog of 22,432 people awaiting an Access to Work decision?

Answer from Tom Pursglove

The Government is focused on unlocking potential with employment support and increasing staffing levels for Access to Work, aiming to streamline processes. The hon. Member's plan remains undisclosed.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to resolving the backlog specifically

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)