Research and analysis

Work aspirations and support needs of health and disability customers: Interim findings

This report presents the employment aspirations, attitudes to work and support needs of health and disability customers.

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Details

Research background

This report presents the interim findings from the work aspirations project. The report is based on 3,401 surveys and 61 in-depth interviews to explore the employment aspirations, attitudes to work and support needs of health and disability customers. We commissioned this research to develop a robust evidence base in understanding the needs and barriers of health and disability customers. A key area of focus for the government is supporting health and disability customers into work and design of a reformed health and disability system.

Contribution to the evidence base

This interim report follows previous research carried out by DWP in 2019. The previous research explored the same themes as the present project but solely focused on those in the Employment and Support Allowance Support Group (ESA SG) and Universal Credit Limited Capability for Work Related Activity (UC LCWRA). This research expands on 2019 by broadening the population base to include Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), New Style Employment and Support Allowance (NS ESA), Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Universal Credit (UC) Health Journey customers in a post-COVID world.

Research value

The interim findings will guide policy as to what barriers to work health and disability customers face, the support needs required to move closer to work, and the types of work that they feel they are able to do.

Updates to this page

Published 6 February 2025

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