Workers could be hit with another setback as the government announces significant changes to disability benefits assessments in September. The government is hiring new companies to oversee a revamped assessment process for Personal Independence Payments, known as PIP.
Previously, individuals would complete a form and subsequently be evaluated by a healthcare professional. Now, workers can anticipate being assessed by a staff member who operates across an entire region.
These individuals will either be employees or agency workers for the company, and they will also conduct Work Capability Assessments for ESA and Universal Credit. The government will assign one provider to a region, rather than multiple assessors.
Several new companies have been recruited to take on this role, reports the Daily Star.
Which companies are involved
Contracts have been awarded to several new companies, divided by region. Currently, there are only five areas, with high demand anticipated.
The companies are as follows:
Scotland and North England: Maximus UK Services Limited (currently Atos)
Midlands and Wales: Capita Business Services (currently Capita)
South West England: Serco (currently Atos)
South East England, London and East Anglia: Ingeus UK Limited (currently Atos)
Northern Ireland: Capita Business Services (currently Capita)
All of these companies specialise in outsourcing, but not all have a background in medical care. Capita recently launched an AI academy to assist other businesses in becoming proficient in the technology.
What does this mean for the process?
Following the announcement, a number of workers expressed concerns about the future of the process. However, the government has insisted that the procedure will continue to adhere to DWP guidelines, so officials say there should be minimal changes.
Those potentially receiving benefits will still need to attend a face-to-face appointment, but with a single assessor from one of the new companies. The meeting must take place within 90 minutes of their home address at most.
The guidelines specify that this distance is an “absolute minimum,” and it is hoped that this will remain unchanged despite fewer assessors. Furthermore, the office must be located on the ground floor to ensure it is “easy for all customers to reach.”
Applicants are also allowed to bring a companion with them, which some workers find reassuring as they can provide evidence to support their claim.
The contracts stipulate that only therapists, nurses, physiotherapists, and doctors can conduct the assessments, although they may not necessarily be NHS employees. Paramedics are also permitted to carry out the tests.
These recent changes come at a challenging time for the DWP. At present, thousands of PIP claimants are claiming they have not received their due payments.
An average of £5000 per person is still expected from the DWP.
The department was taken to the Supreme Court, resulting in the significant changes it is now undergoing. The government has not provided any information about future changes.
