MPs were provided with compelling evidence of how vital welfare support – particularly Personal Independence Payments (PIP) – is essential for disabled people in work, and why their voices must be central to any welfare reforms at an event in Westminster this week.
Minister for social security and disability, Sir Stephen Timms (above right, with Clive Lewis MP, left, and UNISON’s Katrina Gilman UNISON’s national officer for disability equality, centre) attended to discuss the report and hear first-hand how working disabled people use the welfare system to stay well in work.
UNISON is stressing the need for reforms that protect, rather than undermine, disabled people’s independence and ability to remain in employment.
Key findings from UNISON’s welfare reform survey focused on over 3,000 respondents who are directly affected by the reforms and currently work full or part-time. These workers expressed deep concern about the government’s proposed changes to PIP, particularly the shift to a new points-based eligibility test.
Among those receiving the daily living component of PIP:
- 69.5% receive the standard rate, scoring 8+ points across 10 activities.
- 27.5% receive the higher rate, scoring 12+ points.
Standard-rate claimants are the group most at risk of losing eligibility under the new requirement to score four points in a single activity.
The survey also reveals the essential role PIP plays in enabling disabled people to work:
- 60% of respondents use PIP to pay for travel – including commuting – because they cannot drive, use public transport, or afford to run a car.
- 45.9% use it to pay for medication, despite the misconception that PIP automatically grants free prescriptions.
- 65.9% use PIP to buy food that is easy to prepare after a full working day.
When asked whether losing the daily living component would affect their ability to work, 74.7% said yes.
Personal stories underscore the stakes
The survey included candid accounts of what changes to welfare means for their working lives. Many described using this to fund care, assistive equipment, specialist therapy, adapted food, transport, and help with essential tasks that allow them to conserve energy for work.
Others warned that losing support would push them out of employment, increase pressure on already stretched NHS services, or leave them unable to maintain basic independence at home.
The testimonies make clear that welfare reform doesn’t only affect those not in work, but it can be the lifeline enabling thousands of disabled people to remain in employment.
UNISON is calling for:
- Disabled workers to be fully involved in the government’s welfare review.
- A fair, person-centred assessment system that reflects real-life needs.
- Recognition of how PIP links to other essential entitlements, including Blue Badges and carers’ payments.
UNISON will continue to campaign to ensure disabled workers’ voices are heard.
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