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Let's Talk June: Disability Benefits and Employment Support

Published on 26 June 2025 05:49 PM

Lets Talk June 2025 photos of presenters and attendees

At June's Let's Talk event, the Islington Council Income Maximisation team gave a useful insight into the changes that the government is planning to make to disability benefits.

The changes the new 'Right to Try' initiative which gives people the option to try out employment without the risk of losing welfare benefits if things don't work out, and also a detailed look at the planned changes to the eligibility criteria for Personal Independence Payment (PIP).

The Pathways to Work Green Paper, published last year, outlined the government’s vision for overhauling disability benefits. It is a consultation document, not a law. The bill introduced on 18 June 2025 begins turning parts of the Green Paper into law (see Money Saving Expert for a timeline for these proposed changes). There is a good article on the Scope website about the proposals in the Green Paper and what's included in the bill.

U-turn by government (27 June)

On 27 June, it has been announced, however, that there has been a government U-turn on some of the proposed changes. According to BBC News, "Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall told Labour MPs that claimants of the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) will continue to receive what they currently get, as will recipients of the health element of universal credit. Instead, planned cuts will only hit future claimants." See the article for further details. (BBC News, 27 June)

My Health Journey: hearing from one of the attendees at Let's Talk

We spoke to Clara at the Let's Talk event. She told us about her health condition, the frustrations of living with an "invisible" health condition or disability and also how PIP transformed her life.
 
"I never know whether I'm going to be able to attend an event because of my health condition, but..thankfully Age UK Islington were able to accommodate me. 
 
"It was really good to hear that there's help out there and I contacted two of the speakers following the meeting which has been very productive...Whilst the changes that are planned for PIP will be really bad for some people, it was also good to hear that there are some positive things that are coming out of the changes - like giving people the opportunity to try out employment without the safety net of still having benefits in place if it doesn't work out. 
 
To read more about Clara's story, click here.
 

Let's Talk June presentations

Hillside Clubhouse and DWP Disability Employment Advisors gave talks on support available to help with confidence building, finding work and support when in work.

See below for the slides from the talks and further information and resources.

🎯 Changes to Disability Benefits, Working and Welfare Benefits

Islington Council's Income Maximisation team gave an insight into the proposed changes outlined in the government's recent 'Pathways to Work' green paper.

  • How the Income Maximisation Team can help you
  • Pathways to Work Green paper
  • Green paper ‘Winners’ and 'Losers’
  • Personal Independence Payment and how it is changing
  • How working affects your Universal Credit

Click below to see the presentation slides.

Islington Council: Income Maximisation Team presentation

🎯 Hillside Clubhouse

Hillside Clubhouse gave an introduction to their service. They are an Islington-based mental health charity running a varied programme of activities and support. Their support focuses on both recovery and employability, with the aim for members to rebuild confidence and re-engage with their community.

Click below to see the presentation slides. See the Hillside Clubhouse website for their contact details.

Hillside Clubouse: An introduction to the service

🎯 Disability Employment Advisors (Department of Work and Pensions)

If you have a health condition or a disability that affects your ability to work, you can get assistance and advice on returning to the workplace by speaking to a Work Coach at your local Jobcentre Plus. For additional support, the Work Coach will refer to the DEA for advice on health & disability. 

Click below for an outline of how the Disability Employment Advisors can help.

Disability Employment Advisors: An introduction to the service