New benefits test: Will it suss the scroungers?
Anita Rani has been looking at the new Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), the scheme that will replace . 
The ESA was introduced last October for new claimants and will be rolled out for those currently claiming Incapacity Benefit by next April. To claim, ESA applicants are tested on what work they could potentially do, rather than what they can't do.
It's the test that's proving to be controversial.
Lord McKenzie, Minister for Work and Pensions told Anita that "we believe it's a potentially more effective assessment - making sure people are on the right benefit for them".
But Neil Coyle, from , said that the charity is beginning to hear from people who most would consider unfit to work, being told that they could hold down a job. He said that the new "system doesn't seem to be flexible enough".
See also
Ouch! The ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ's website about disability.
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Will the ESA benefits test help the sick and suss the scroungers? Continue the conversation, add your comment.
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