More than two-thirds of people receiving incapacity benefit in Northern Ireland are capable of doing at least some work, new figures have indicated.
About 76,000 recipients are undergoing assessment to gauge their ability to return to work. Of the 9,328 people assessed so far, 2,202 were found to be capable of work and 4,262 were deemed to have some capability of work.
About 30 per cent – 2,864 – were found to be not capable of any work, primarily due to ill-health or learning difficulties.
Minister for Social Development Nelson McCausland said the reassessment of incapacity benefit recipients was making a real difference to the lives of people who would otherwise have been left trapped in the benefits system.
“The reassessment of incapacity benefit customers is vitally important,” he said. “It ensures that we do not allow people to languish on a life of benefits, with no opportunity or support to move back into employment.”
People found to have some some capability of work have been placed in the work-related activity group. They will now receive an employment and support allowance and be given tailored support to prepare them for work and to address any barriers to employment they may have.
A total of 1,368 recipients have appealed their reassessment decisions.