Work accident victims not claiming benefit
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.ALMOST half the victims of serious industrial disease and accidents at work fail to apply for state compensation, according to a report published yesterday by the National Audit Office.
An official survey of 940 people injured at work found that 203 were so seriously affected they were absent for at least three months, or stopped work altogether. Yet 89 of the 203 did not make a claim under the Industrial Injuries Scheme - and 59 of those said they had not heard of it.
The report says publicity for the scheme should be improved and better targeted to increase awareness.
Doctors also have difficulties in deciding the extent of claimants' disabilities, which they must define in terms of percentages. A 10 per cent disability rates pounds 9.16 a week under the scheme, while someone with 100 per cent disability gets pounds 91.60 a week.
The scheme was introduced in 1948 to provide help for those suffering from industrial accidents or disease. In 1992-93, the Benefits Agency paid pounds 663m to 320,000 people.
But the report pointed out that it was a complex scheme and expensive to operate.
Adminstrative costs were pounds 56m in 1991-92, equivalent to 8.5 per cent of expenditure on the benefit. This compares with an average 3.2 per cent for the overall social security programme.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments