UNIONS are urging reform of the personal independence payment scheme (Pip) to boost employment rates and help disabled people stay in work.

TUC research shows that the unemployment rate for disabled people is 8.8 per cent — the highest since before the pandemic — compared with 4.3 per cent for non-disabled people.

Disability Minister Sir Stephen Timms insisted he is putting disabled people at the heart of the review announced last year after proposed restrictions to Pip were dropped after a Commons rebellion, and the TUC has submitted its new evidence.

TUC general secretary Paul Nowak said: “The government has a vital opportunity to support more disabled people into work through the Timms review.

“Right now, disabled people are bearing the brunt of unemployment, low pay and insecure work, all while navigating a social security system that is not fit for purpose.

“Only a genuine reform of Pip will ensure that disabled people who can work receive the support they need to move into and stay in work.”

But he said this must “come alongside wider action too, like ensuring disabled workers get the reasonable adjustments they need, stronger rights at work and reform of the access to work scheme.

“That’s how you deliver a system that works for disabled workers,” he said.

But Disabled People Against Cuts co-founder Linda Burnip warned: “There’s no way reforming Pip is going to increase the employment rate of disabled people. The two things that might get more disabled people into work are a more efficient access to work programme and reversal of the cuts to funding for Motability vehicles.”

A Department for Work & Pensions spokesperson said: “We’re changing the law so disabled people can try work without fear of reassessment and we are investing £3.5 billion to provide tailored employment support for sick or disabled people so everyone can get on in life.”

The Timms review is “to make sure Pip is fit and fair for the future,” they said.