Jeremy Hunt prepares for the Autumn Statement 2023 in his kitchen in the No 11 flat. KIRSTY O’CONNOR/HM TREASURY

In November, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt announced plans to reform the benefits system for people with disabilities. The reform has created ripples of outrage across the third sector, specifically with charities that actively support people with disabilities and long-term health conditions.

At Legacy in the Community, we are a team of individuals who identify with having disabilities and conditions. We know first-hand how difficult it is for our customers to source accessible opportunities, even with a helping hand. This is because employers do not offer opportunities open to people with disabilities, and the claim that ‘1 in 10’ job opportunities offer home-working is debatable. When looking deeper into job descriptions, it may read ‘hybrid’, or a requirement to visit the office or have access to a vehicle.

A Cartoon lady with black hair is sat in front of her laptop, hands over her face, despairingly.

Image by Htc Erl from Pixabay

To punish people with disabilities for what is out of their control, which is an inaccessible, niche job market with little to no entry-level jobs, is abhorrent. According to the Big Issue, the chancellor plans to drive 200,000 people in to work, including people who are sick and disabled. Benefits claimants could face mandatory work placements, be denied free prescriptions and have their benefits stopped if they do not find work.

Although many people with disabilities would like to work and would thrive in employment, there are not enough opportunities available. Reform is being aimed in the wrong direction, and we would implore that decisions be made by listening to the experiences of people with disabilities.

If you are worried about the new changes and would like to receive employability support from people who understand first-hand, get in touch with us at info@litc.uk.