Macmillan Cancer Support Statement on Government ESA Consultation Response

Following a Government consultation, Work Capability Assessment: Accounting for the effects of cancer treatment, that closed in March 2012, the Department of Work and Pensions has released its formal response.

Mike Hobday, Director of Policy of Macmillan Cancer Support, says:

'We welcome the Government’s announcement that more cancer patients will avoid having to face stressful medical assessments or back to work interviews while experiencing the effects of gruelling treatments.

'Macmillan campaigned vigorously for greater protection for cancer patients who are too sick to work.  We are delighted the Government has listened.

'As the response makes clear there is still work to be done to ensure these commitments become a reality.  We look forward to continuing to work with the Government to implement these important changes.'

-Ends-

For further information, please contact:

Andrea Shufflebotham, Senior Media & PR Officer

0207 840 4689 (out of hours 07801 307068)

ashufflebotham@macmillan.org.uk|

Notes to Editors:

Cancer is the toughest fight most of us will ever face. But you don’t have to go through it alone. The Macmillan team is with you every step of the way.

We are the nurses and therapists helping you through treatment. The experts on the end of the phone. The advisers telling you which benefits you’re entitled to. The volunteers giving you a hand with the everyday things. The campaigners improving cancer care. The fundraisers who make it all possible.

We are Macmillan Cancer Support