The UK government has introduced a new “right to try” plan to facilitate disabled people find work by removing the immediate threat of losing financial support when entering employment or volunteering. Legislation laid before parliament on Thursday aims to eliminate the automatic benefit reassessments that have historically discouraged claimants from seeking work due to the risk of losing their safety net.
The policy, which is scheduled to approach into force at the end of the month, targets a specific psychological and financial barrier: the fear of being “stranded” in the benefits system. By providing a guarantee that support will not be abruptly withdrawn upon starting a job, the government hopes to encourage a segment of the population that wants to work but feels the risks are too high.
Sir Stephen Timms, the minister for social security and disability, framed the move as a necessary reassurance. “We are doing this as a reassurance to people, to allay their fears, given that it has come through really clearly that people would like to work but the fear of losing benefits is holding them back,” Timms said. He specifically highlighted the inclusion of volunteering, noting We see often a “crucial first step” toward formal employment.
The right to try plan to help disabled people find work will apply to individuals claiming Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), and the health element of Universal Credit.
Addressing the ‘Benefit Trap’ and Employment Barriers
For many disabled claimants, the transition into the workforce has been fraught with instability. Data from the flexible working nonprofit Timewise reveals a stark reality: only 2.5% of those economically inactive due to long-term sickness or disability return to work each year. More concerningly, over half of those who do find employment see those roles last fewer than four months.
Mikey Erhardt of Disability Rights UK argued that these statistics underscore the necessity of a secure “right to try,” where claimants are guaranteed the same level of support they had previously if a job does not work out. Erhardt emphasized that disabled people require explicit confirmation that returning to the system after an unsuccessful work trial will not require them to apply as new claimants or undergo the entire application process again.
While the government views this as a bridge to employment, advocacy groups argue that removing the benefit barrier is only one part of a much larger problem. James Taylor, a director at the disability charity Scope, described the policy as a “step in the right direction” but warned that the “odds are stacked against disabled people” due to systemic issues in the workplace.
According to Taylor, the “right to try” does not address the hostile environments often found in the labor market, including:
- Inaccessible physical workplaces and digital tools.
- Inflexible job roles that do not accommodate health needs.
- A lack of personalized employment support.
- Persistent negative attitudes and biases from employers.
The Universal Credit Controversy
The rollout of the “right to try” occurs alongside a contentious shift in the Universal Credit system. The government is implementing a cut to the health element of Universal Credit, which will be halved and then frozen for new claimants unless they meet a set of stricter criteria.
During a visit to a jobcentre in Walthamstow, north-east London, Sir Stephen Timms acknowledged that the previous system created a perverse incentive. He stated that the old structure was “forcing people to aspire to be classified as too unwell to work,” with some claimants seeking work capability assessments earlier than necessary simply to lock in higher payment amounts.
However, this change has drawn sharp criticism from disability rights advocates who argue that the cuts will punish the most vulnerable during a period of significant economic instability. Erhardt described the approach as “nonsensical,” suggesting that successive governments have treated social security as a “threat” to push people into the job market rather than a safety net to support them.
| Benefit Type | Impact of ‘Right to Try’ | Context/Status |
|---|---|---|
| Personal Independence Payment (PIP) | No automatic reassessment when starting work | Active |
| Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) | No automatic reassessment when starting work | Active |
| Universal Credit (Health Element) | No automatic reassessment when starting work | Subject to new funding cuts |
What this means for claimants
For the average claimant, the primary shift is the removal of the “automatic” trigger for a reassessment. Previously, the act of taking a job or volunteering could signal to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) that a person’s “capability” had changed, leading to a review that could result in a total loss of funds before a new job provided a living wage.
The government’s objective is to move away from a system of “all or nothing,” allowing for a phased return to the workforce. However, the effectiveness of this policy will likely depend on whether the government invests in the “voluntary and personalised employment support” that charities like Scope say is essential for long-term success.
Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice regarding benefit entitlements. Claimants should consult official government guidance or a qualified advisor.
The next phase of this rollout will commence at the end of the current month as the legislation officially takes effect. Further updates regarding the specific criteria for the Universal Credit health element freeze are expected as the government implements the new stricter guidelines.
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