Action for M.E. has submitted evidence to the Work and Pensions Committee highlighting the reality of living with M.E.

The parliamentary committee, whose role is to scrutinise the work of the Department for Work and Pensions, asked us and other charities to provide evidence to inform their upcoming session where they will be speaking with the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions. The focus of the session will be the Government’s progress in closing the disability employment gap.

Responding to the Work and Pensions Committee, we highlighted that:

• Assessors and work coaches need to recognise and take adequate steps to incorporate the fluctuating symptoms of M.E. into any employment goals for people with M.E.

• The Work Capability Assessment needs to be reformed, to ensure that it appropriately captures how M.E. affects a person’s ability to take part in work, and that this should be a priority area for the government.

• Some people with a disability or long-term health condition, including M.E., will not be capable of working. This group should be supported in leaving any current employment, and continue to receive adequate financial support.

The evidence session with the Secretary of State will take place on Wednesday 11 July. Our evidence will be published on the Work and Pensions Committee website in due course.

Action for M.E. has responded to previous consultations on disability employment, sharing what we learnt through the SEE M.E. employment project.

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