Posted on Liberal Democrat Voice By Sophie Bridger | Published 27th July 2011 – 10:18 am

Over the last week, more and more articles have emerged regarding disability benefit (Employment Support Allowance) and Work Capability Assessments. I say articles – they read like horror stories. People with degenerative conditions being told to get themselves to the Jobcentre. People being asked to come to assessments in rooms that aren’t accessible to the disabled. It makes the blood run cold.

We have failed to show the public that this is not a cost-cutting exercise. They feel that this is purely a convenient way to squeeze a little more out of those already worst affected. Claimants are terrified that they will be whisked off benefits, told they are fit enough to work when they aren’t, to remain unemployed, and descend into poverty. The common consensus is that these reforms are a massive con. And quite frankly, they could be forgiven for thinking so.

The people who assess whether someone is fit for work, are working for a company called ATOS on a commission basis, and are paid for every claimant that they remove from the system. An assessment can take as little as 20 minutes, and they’re apparently under no obligation to listen to what a claimant’s GP has said. No wonder 70% of appeals are overturned.

Quite frankly, not only is this no way to run a benefits system, it is no way to treat the vulnerable in our society. These are the people we are supposed to be protecting. Yes, we must cut costs – but if we cannot do it without protecting the sick and the disabled, then why bother?

Now before we get carried away with the Big Bad Coalition kicking the sick, and eating babies and the rest of it – problems with ESA are longstanding, and were certainly present under the last government. ATOS were originally employed by Labour. Current reforms are exacerbating problems that have been around for years. This makes it even more important that we put Work Capability Assessments right, and make sure ESA reforms are support the people who need them. What we need to do is to reform our reforms.

Those unable to work should be entitled to a decent package of support – without a ridiculous time limit which will only harm those with medium to long term health problems. They deserve a proper assessment, by a trained medical professional. Claimants are not being treated fairly, and that must end.

I was pleased to see that so many of these issues were picked up on by the recent review by the Department of Work and Pensions. But there are still problems that must be addressed. We will get the chance to have our say in September, when the Liberal Youth Policy Motion on Employment Support Allowance and Work Capability Assessments comes to conference. Let’s use the opportunity to send a clear message that more must be done to make these welfare reforms fairer.