Poverty not an effective route into employment says children's charity
1.02.05

Child Poverty Action Group responds to Prime Minister's speech on Incapacity Benefit reform.

CPAG expressed anxiety that the proposed reform of Incapacity Benefit could plunge children into poverty.

The charity said the incomes of sick and disabled people unable to work had to be protected through periods of ill health. 'Cutting, or threatening to cut, the already limited financial support that Incapacity Benefit offers does nothing to help people facing disability and illness,' said Kate Green, Chief Executive.

'Claimants who are ready and able to think about work need support and more flexible job opportunities, not threats and insults. Those whose illness or disability make work unrealistic must not be left even worse off than they are now. Hundreds and thousands of children live in families who rely on the limited support Incapacity Benefit provides. Any threat to that support undermines progress on reducing child poverty,' she added.

'As people move towards work readiness, they will need a benefit that continues to provide adequate support to them and their families. Living on a low income compounds ill health and undermines opportunities and aspirations. Poverty is not an effective route into employment.'

CPAG praised the Pathways to Work pilots, and urged more investment in projects to support Incapacity Benefit claimants who want and are able to do so to move towards a return to work. 'Support and not threats are clearly the way forward. The number of people on incapacity benefit is coming down. Why resort to sticks when the carrot is working?' said Kate Green.

For further information contact:
Paul Dornan
Head of Policy and Research
Tel. 020 7812 5222
email pdornan@cpag.org.uk