Tough tests in benefits overhaul

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

Work and Pensions Secretary Peter Hain said he believed the "majority" of people on benefits could work if they are given the right support.

He promised to "rip up sick note Britain" by scrapping Incapacity Benefit and replacing it with a new Employment and Support Allowance.

Mr Hain said he believed 20,000 fewer people would move on to sickness benefits from next year as a result of the change.

He said: "I believe that the majority of people on benefits could work with the right support and training and the opportunity to go for a job.

"In the past, people going on to incapacity were just left there, written off, more likely to reach retirement age or to die than ever work again and, at its height, costing a staggering £15 billion a year."

The system had embedded the sick note into the "foundations of the British economy," Mr Hain said.

Mr Hain said the Government will help give claimants training and support to get them ready for work.

More than 100 major employers have signed up to a scheme which will give guaranteed job interviews and work trials to people on benefits.

Mr Hain said: "At any one time there are 660,000 vacancies so the jobs are out there. From now on continuing to receive a benefit will increasingly be linked to preparing for a job with a threat of sanctions for those that wilfully refuse to engage."