4 out of 5 applicants for new sickness benefit in UK are 'fit to work'

London, Oct 27 (ANI): Tests have revealed that 78 pc of Brits who applied for a new sick benefit were fit to work.

About 824,000 have put in for Employment and Support Allowance since it came in two years ago.

Official figures have showed that almost four in five were either trying it on or withdrew their claim before it was processed.

"These figures underline how important it is that we make sure everyone who has the potential to work gets the right help to move off benefits," the Sun quoted Employment Minister Chris Grayling as saying.

"This is not about pushing the sick into jobs but giving those that can work the help to do so and those that can't more, not less, support," Grayling added.

The Government has started a scheme to retest all 2.1million people on Incapacity Benefit.

Piloted in Burnley and Aberdeen, it rolls out nationwide next year with a target of testing 10,000 a week. A staggering 9.1billion pounds a year is paid in sickness benefits. (ANI)