Our CEO, Jill Wheeler, has commented on the welfare benefit changes outlined in the Spring Statement, highlighting the potential impact on individuals with disabilities and chronic health conditions.

“The welfare benefit cuts outlined in the Spring Statement are greatly concerning for those who are already struggling due to a disability or chronic health condition. Whilst the Chancellor hopes that by freezing incapacity benefits for new claimants until 2030 and tightening eligibility for Personal Independent Payments (PiP) will save £4.8bn by 29/30, there is a great deal of uncertainty about whether this is achievable in an economy where job vacancies are falling year on year.

The Office for National Statistics reported 908,000 vacancies from December to February 2024, and just 816,000 vacancies in the same period in 2025. This equates to 1.9 unemployed people for every unfilled vacancy. Surely, with fewer roles available and sectors such as retail banking, food distribution and the civil service cutting jobs even further, unemployment figures are set to increase, and suitable available job vacancies could continue to decline sharply.

Moreover, cuts to existing benefits are likely to have a devastating effect on vulnerable populations, particularly those who are already struggling to cope due to a health condition affecting their ability to work. An undoubtedly short-sighted strategy, when reduced access to benefits is likely to lead to increased poverty, adverse health impacts and therefore additional pressure on the NHS. The interconnectedness of these issues calls for a more nuanced approach that considers long-term societal costs instead of immediate budgetary gains. It’s frustrating and disheartening to see policies that seem to overlook the real challenges faced by people most in need.”