New figures show a THIRD of all people who applied for sickness benefit were found fit to work.

Daily Mail ^ | 25 January 2014 | Ted Thornhill

[managusta]

Almost a million people who applied for sickness benefit have instead been found fit for work, according to figures published today.

A third (32 per cent) of all new claimants for employment and support allowance (ESA) were assessed as being fit to work and capable of employment between October 2008 and March 2013 - totalling 980,400 people, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) said.

More than a million others withdrew their claims before reaching a face-to-face assessment - this can be because of individuals recovering and either returning to work, or claiming a benefit more appropriate to their situation.

A DWP spokesman said that reforming the benefits system is a key part of the Government's long-term economic plan to build a stronger economy.

Minister of State for Disabled People Mike Penning said: ‘As part of the Government's long-term economic plan, it is only fair that we look at whether people can do some kind of work with the right support - rather than just writing them off on long-term sickness benefits, as has happened in the past.

[managusta]

Finally the Brits are getting the message.This change across the nation was driven by a Channel 4 reality show called "Benefits Street".

Wiki states that "The show was filmed by documenting the lives of several residents of James Turner Street, Winson Green, Birmingham, England, where the Daily Mail reported that 90% of the residents claim benefits."

It adds that "residents are seen committing crimes such as shoplifting and attempting to raise money to support themselves and their families."

[Mitch86]

Respectfully, I’d argue with that. Benefits Street has only been running for 4 weeks. The coalition government has been stamping down on benefit claimants for nearly 3 years.