Assessments undermined by norms

A new report by leading disability campaigner Kaliya Franklin (@bendygirl) and member of the Spartacus Network reveals that the Work Capability Assessment (WCA) process which assesses people's 'fitness for work' is managed by a set of norms which actually serve as de facto targets. Her report effectively demonstrates that there is a high likelihood that medical assessments have been distorted by the government's management system.

Kaliya Franklin writes:

"It is clear, and in the light of this evidence totally unsurprising, that this iniquitous system is causing immense distress, hardship and increased ill-health for the very people who most need support, whilst at the same time costing the taxpayer many millions of pounds in unnecessary assessments and appeals."

Dr Simon Duffy, Director of The Centre for Welfare Reform said:

"The Employment Support Allowance system is deeply flawed. Instead of addressing the real causes of poverty and worklessness the system implies that it is disabled people who are the cause of these problems. Kaliya Franklin's important report demonstrates that the objectivity of medical assessments is being undermined in order to meet the target for cuts."

Read the full report here: http://bit.ly/ESAtargets