Mind reacts to EHRC investigation into Department of Work and Pensions

Britain’s equality regulator, the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC), has today launched an investigation into the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions over concerns about the treatment of some disabled benefits claimants.

An investigation has started because there are concerns that some government ministers may have broken equality laws while working at the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

The investigation is looking at whether the DWP failed to make fair changes to support disabled people with learning difficulties or long-term mental health problems during health checks.

Megan Pennell, Head of Public Affairs at Mind, said:

“This is extremely concerning but sadly it echoes what we hear from people with mental health problems on a daily basis - that the DWP is failing to make assessments fair for people with mental health problems. Research carried out by Mind found that almost 7 in 10 people (66%) felt that going through the benefits assessment process made their mental health worse.

“We have been calling for assessment reform for years, and so we’re pleased that the EHRC is investigating this. Our social security system, like our NHS, should be there for us all, especially when we need it most. The UK Government needs to create a new commission, led by disabled people, to create a more compassionate and functioning benefits assessment system.”