UK Grants Disabled Workers Right to Try Employment Without Losing Benefits

The UK government is set to announce a 'right to try guarantee' that will allow disabled individuals receiving health-related benefits to explore employment opportunities without the risk of losing their benefits, aiming to address concerns over welfare cuts. This initiative coincides with broader welfare reforms that could potentially reduce benefits for nearly 1 million people, prompting backlash from Labour MPs and charities. Additionally, recent research from Lancaster University highlights that remote and hybrid work arrangements significantly benefit disabled employees, with 80% reporting positive health impacts when working fully remotely. However, only a limited number of job postings—3.2% hybrid and 0.6% fully remote—are available, which could hinder these workers' employment opportunities. The Labour government has pledged to reform job support for disabled individuals while balancing the need to reduce the welfare bill, which has surged in recent years. The overall landscape underscores the critical need for inclusive workplace policies and flexible working conditions to support disabled workers effectively.